Many people, especially non-native English speakers, experience anxiety when answering phone calls. The fear of misunderstanding or not being able to respond quickly enough can be overwhelming. However, with some strategies, this fear can be managed and even overcome.
Understand the Source of the Fear
The first step in addressing phone anxiety is understanding why it happens. On the phone, there are no visual cues like body language or facial expressions, making communication more challenging. Additionally, the pressure to respond quickly can lead to stress, especially when English isn't your first language.
Practise Active Listening
Improving your listening skills can significantly reduce phone anxiety. Practice listening to English conversations, podcasts, or news. The more familiar you are with different accents and speech patterns, the more confident you'll feel.
Prepare for Common Scenarios
At work, many calls follow a similar pattern. Prepare scripts or key phrases for common situations. For example:
Answering the phone: "Good morning, this is [Your Name] from [Company Name]. How can I assist you today?"
Asking for repetition: "I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?"
Transferring a call: "Let me transfer you to the appropriate department. Please hold for a moment."
Taking a message: "Could I take a message and have [Person's Name] call you back?"
Having these phrases ready can boost your confidence and help you navigate phone conversations more smoothly.
Slow Down and Breathe
It’s okay to ask the caller to repeat something or to speak more slowly. For instance, you might say, "Could you please speak a little slower? I want to make sure I understand everything correctly." Take a deep breath before answering the phone to calm your nerves. Remember, it’s better to take a moment to understand than to rush and misinterpret.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practise, the more comfortable you'll become. Try role-playing phone conversations with a friend or colleague, or even practise speaking to yourself. For example, rehearse a typical conversation: "Hello, I'd like to confirm our meeting for tomorrow at 10 AM. Does that time still work for you?"
Focus on the Positive
Finally, focus on the progress you make. Every call you handle successfully is a step towards overcoming your fear. Celebrate these small victories and recognise your improvement.
Overcoming the fear of answering phones in English takes time, but with patience and practice, you can build your confidence and handle phone calls like a pro.
Want to build confidence, improve your English, and ace those phone calls? If you are thinking about enhancing your English communication skills but do not know where to start, book a free assessment with demitalks and find out what might work for you!
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