How to Stand Out on the Phone

Telephones have a way of turning even the most spectacular of individuals into just another faceless, nameless entity. If you want to stand out when talking on the phone, you need to practice. Whether you’re trying to ace that telephone interview, or you want to be unforgettable to your customers when they call you, here’s how to stand out on the phone.

Smile

Your body posture directly affects your vocalisations. Putting a smile on your face can actually make your entire demeanor brighter and it can improve your attitude as you talk on the phone.

Pay attention to your posture

Just as smiling shines through on a phone call, so does slouching. To project a sense of self-confidence during your phone call, use good posture. Present yourself as though the person you are speaking to is actually in front of you instead of on the other end of the phone line.

Be prepared

Whether you are taking part in a phone interview or fielding calls from customers, it pays to know your stuff. If you don’t know the answer to your caller’s question, politely ask if you can put your caller on hold and find out. Make notes as you listen, and use them to help you remember all the points you’d like to discuss.

Think before you speak

It can be tempting to fill quiet spots in the conversation with filler words such as ‰Û÷like’ and ‰Û÷um,’ but this makes you sound unprepared and unprofessional. Instead, give yourself permission to take a second to frame your thoughts and speak them clearly.

Take the call in a quiet place

Choose your environment carefully when taking a call. A quiet, peaceful spot will help you focus and conduct yourself better than a busy, hectic environment. It will also allow you to pay attention to the person on the other end of the line, which is not only a mark of respect, but also of professionalism.