Check your telephone etiquette

Any form of communication can be considered complete only when the objectives of that communication are met. The more complicated a communication skill, the greater articulation it requires. Telephone conversations are a complex form of communication in which achieving the goals set is easier said than done.

The principal problem with this type of communication is that the parties engaged cannot see each other. There are no handshakes, facial expressions, or hand gestures; no body language, eye contact, nor any other supporting feature that can cover up any mistakes that our words or tone make. In a face-to-face conversation, even if we end up making a bad start, we can still start working for a better end. Our body, holistically, works in unison with our words to provide all-inclusive support to our thought processes and helps put our message across to the listener in the most stimulating manner.

Telephone conversation, however, is an entirely different ball...