Calling Cards

Regardless of the setting, it can be difficult to begin a conversation, but it can be even more difficult to begin a conversation on the phone. Following is some advice to assist you in beginning a phone conversation.

1. Particularly when you do not know the other person, it can be difficult to begin a phone conversation. This discussion assumes that either you are totally unacquainted with the person or you do not know them well and want to get to know them better.

2. First and foremost, you must have a pleasant tone when speaking on the phone. Why should your tone be pleasant? Because behaving in that manner usually helps the other person feel comfortable, and may even have a positive effect on them.

3. When you do not know a person well, there are some major subjects that are taboo during a phone conversation. Controversial subjects, like religion and politics, should always be avoided. Possibly these are topics that you will have to discuss at some point, but do so another time!

4. When starting a phone conversation, it is critical to know a little bit about the person to whom you are speaking. For instance, you can make small talk with regard to the stock market if you are aware that the person with whom you are speaking is a stock broker. A good way of getting the other person to open up is to discuss a topic in which they are interested.

5. Keep your comments positive and avoid complaining. Particularly during a first conversation, people would rather not hear someone complain about their problems, either past or present. Maybe you have problems in your personal life, but this is not the time to discuss them!

6. Always show respect for the other person and their time constraints. If the person indicates that this is not a good time for them to speak on the phone, ask when it would be convenient for you to call back or ask them to call you.