Does the prospect of calling someone fill you with dread? Do you put off making phone calls as long as you can? Whether you have nerves about talking on the phone or you’re just a little shy, The Art of Manliness suggests creating a script before you make a call to help calm you down.
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Perhaps it’s because we so rarely make actual phone calls these days, but it seems like a lot of people really dread talking on the phone. If that sounds like you, The Art of Manliness suggests writing out a simple script to get you started:
Write out your “opening” word for word, as this can be the hardest part of the call; once you’re over that threshold, you’ll often feel less nervous. In your opening you want to convey who you are, where you’re calling from, and/or what you are calling about…
After you write your opening, make a list of key points you’d like to bring up during the call. Try to anticipate what the person on the other end might ask you, and what you’d like to say in response. Mark down numbers and names you might be asked to give.
How much or how little you need to write out is really up to you, but getting that opening down seems like it’s likely enough to get most people started. Head over to The Art of Manliness for a few more tips.
How to Overcome Phone Shyness [The Art of Manliness]
Comments
4 responses to “Overcome Phone Shyness By Creating A Script”
It’s probably worth noting that anxious people have been doing this basically forever. It’s the only way some of us can pick up the phone sometimes.
The hardest part of a phone call for me is saying ‘good bye’. I always manage to screw it up and make it feel super awkward. I’m not sure if it’s just in my head or not though….
If it includes repeated use of the phrase “No, you hang up”, it’s not just in your head.
If you ever get the chance, a day or so in a call centre will cure you of phone shyness forever.