PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

07/26/2010     

Take Your Time - Part 2

If you still feel rushed, you may start speaking too quickly, but that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make on the phone. Here’s how to slow down:

•  Note the times callers ask you to repeat yourself. If they routinely ask you to restate your name or the name of your organization, that is a sign that you are introducing yourself too quickly.
•  Pause between sentences. On the phone, it’s especially important to heed the periods or commas that would apply to your comments if they appeared in print. Wait one second to speak again after you finish a sentence or between items you’re reading from a list.
•  Listen to your outgoing voice-mail message. Check whether you are slurring words together, mumbling or making it hard for others to hear you.

Note: Telephones transmit lower pitches more accurately than higher tones. So you may need to speak in a slightly lower tone than usual to sound confident when you’re making calls. Remind yourself to maintain a clear, confident tone—even during uncomfortable conversations. When a caller asks you a tough question, concentrate on replying in your natural voice instead of letting the pressure you’re under cause your voice to rise.

Source: Communication Briefings