𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞
In light of so many recent articles discussing “Telephobia,” (the fear of making or receiving phone calls) we want to offer some tips to overcome this anxiety and improve your phone skills—and hopefully eliminate some of the communication gaps so frequently lost in a text or email:
1. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞
Gradually expose yourself to phone calls to reduce anxiety. Allow yourself to feel anxious without fighting it. Over time, the discomfort will lessen.
2. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲
Improve your skills by making low-stakes calls, such as asking about store hours. Set small goals, like staying on the line for a few minutes, to build confidence.
3. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
Before calling, make key points to stay focused. Bullet points can help you cover all necessary topics and reduce anxiety.
4. 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Choose a quiet, private space for phone calls. If you work in an open-plan office, find a meeting room or quiet corner to reduce stress.
5. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬
If you’re more comfortable with written communication, let others know. Suggest alternatives like email when appropriate to ease anxiety.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
In the realm of digital communication, nuances and context are often lost, emphasizing the need for verbal discussions. Engaging in verbal conversations serves as a pivotal means to ensure clarity and mutual understanding amidst the potential limitations of written correspondence.
Phone anxiety is manageable with the right strategies. Embrace discomfort, practice regularly, prepare notes, optimize your environment, and communicate your preferences. With patience, you’ll find phone calls become less daunting and more manageable, improving your confidence and communication skills in the workplace.
Check out this article by Claire Eastham for more details!
https://lnkd.in/gaE4ECUG