Telephone Manners

Telephone Manners

Q. What is the proper way to answer the phone?
A. When answering the phone at your desk say... "Hello, this is Mr. Smith" Do not say phrases such as "Mr. Smith here!" or simply "Hello".

Q. Is it necessary to apologize for not immediately returning a phone call that had been originally initiated by yourself?
A. All telephone calls should be promptly returned, regardless of who initiated the original phone call.

Q. What is the polite way to leave a voice mail message?
A. Repeat your name and telephone number twice when leaving a voice mail message.

Q. Is it rude to use your cell phone in a social environment?
A. Always use discretion when using a cellular phone in a social environment; refrain from placing cell phone calls and only answer cellular calls after excusing yourself from the immediate area.

Q. Are speakerphones rude?
A. No, simply ask permission before putting a person on the telephone's speakerphone. Phone etiquette telephone etiquette telephone manners phone manners

Q. What is the proper etiquette when using CALLER ID?
A. When using CALLER ID, avoid greeting a caller by using his name before he says "Hello" and identifies himself.

Q. Who calls back when disconnected on the telephone?
A. When there is poor telephone connection or when you are disconnected, the individual who originated/initiated the call is responsible for calling back the other party.

Q. If you have received a phone call from someone whose number you did not have originally, but it was captured on Caller ID (no message was left on your voice mail) is it inappropriate to call the person back?
A. No, it is appropriate to call someone back only when he or she requests a call back and leaves their return phone number.

Q. When receiving a telephone call at work, should you say the name of the company?
A. If you are answering the telephone at a business, it is polite to state the company's name in your greeting.

Q. What is the best way to utilize a home-office (SOHO) telephone system?
A. If you have a home-based business...Install a second line for business-use only and have an automatic answering system that picks up automatically if you are on the other line. Therefore, eliminating busy signals and portraying a professional image to your clients.