Using the Phone Effectively

Etiquette and Best Practices

Communicate effectively by phone.

© iStockphoto/Geber86

How much time do you spend on the phone each day?

Maybe you use it to talk to your boss, consult with clients, coach team members, or handle crises. But are you using the phone effectively?

Or do you try to avoid calling people, opting instead for email or instant messaging (IM)?

Whether you use a landline, cellphone, or a service like Skype to make calls, it's likely that you could benefit from refreshing your phone skills.

In this article, we'll look at why good phone skills are important. We'll also discuss how to communicate clearly, and how to practice good etiquette when you use the phone.

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