Talking on the phone

[I-say]

Is there such a thing as phone phobia? I work in a busy office, but if I have to answer the phone, or ring a customer, I stammer and get flustered. Am beginning to think I have a phobia about it. Any help appreciated.

[Willow Tree]

Do you think about what to say before you answer the phone? If so, don't. The trick is not to think about it - just do it! I was the same (I still am sometimes!), but if i have to ring someone up, i just get straight on the phone and do it! I feels so much better! You also gotta think that the person on the other end might be nervous too!

Hope this helps! Good luck! Lemme know how you get on!

[Lore]

YOu can stand me in a room full of adults and I can talk for the whole world never mind England, but put me on the phone and I somehow develop my own language that no one else understands! I get so anxious it's unreal! I know it's just a person on the other end of the phone but I just have so much trouble.. I'm ok with family and friends but anything related to work, business or finacial affairs then I go to pot! :o(

[Redbel]

Hi I-say, I do exactly the same thing, I'm brilliant talkng face to face, but as soon as I have to ring someone I don't know or answer a call by someone I don't know I get flustered to and find I hesitate, which like you makes me stammer slightly. Thanks for asking the question I-say, I'd like you would appreciate some help with dealing with it.

[Lore]

I'll phone ya bez, you'll soon get over it! - assuming you can get a word in! :op

It is a problem tho and I don't think many people understand it.. I know my partner thinks I'm just daft!

[Redbel]

Hiya Lore *waves across the water*
Lore I can as you said talk for England in a group....but when it comes to the phone I go all daft, also like you there is no problem with my family and friends.
Lore check you e-mail box ;-)

[mccfluff]

well sorry if this is harsh but i have lots of newbies who are exactly the same and i tell them all the same thing, doesn't matter if you f up, just apologise, no one minds if you 'say i'm new to this sorry' and experience is the only way to get over it. when i was 17 and new to office work i had to handle calls on a new product that i knew nothing about, i learnt very quickly and that was just through no choice i had to do it, throw yourself in the deep end and take the calls, even if you have to say, 'sorry i'm not able to help but i'll get some one to call you' will give you confidence in answering the phone. good luck xx

[Lore]

OO OO OOO I got mail! lol

[Redbel]

HeeHee......keep those feet up girl ;-)

[I-say]

Glad I am not THE only one who gets flustered then. My problem is made worst, by others now waiting for me to answer the phone, and then listening in to how I then make a complete a*se of myself! :(

[Pisceangirl]

I think one of the reasons we all get flustered over the phone is psychological. When you're speaking to a person face to face, you can see them, you can make eye contact, and (awful as it may sound) you can see their flaws- which in turn makes them a REAL person, a person who f***s up just like us, a person who you could charm with a smile, or wit or your bubbly personality. Put them on the other end of a phone and they're just a voice. In our minds eye they may look like the perfect person, be infallible in every way, ultra professional and may as well be a superbeing/robot!!! Plus- you know YOUR weaknesses and insecurities and the more you talk the more unsure you are of yourself. It's a common feeling that most people have...try to stay calm by imagining them naked on the other end of the phone (or even doing something very normal like going to the toilet or farting- I'm sure they do it too after all they are real people just like you!). It may sound absurd and make you laugh but it really does help to see them as simply another human being! :)

[metagirl]

I think its normal - I get that way sometimes. Especially if you think other people in the room are listening to your phone conversation.

I recommend you have a phone routine. Have a set thing you say everytime you make a call and everytime you have to pick it up at work. I answer the phone the same way I learned it from my first boss seven years ago. I find that if I don't stick to the routine I get easily flustered and end up interrupting the person I'm talking to.

[aka pixi]

I hate using phones with a passion, it doesnt matter if I am on my own or in a room full of people the effect is the same. I answer the phone and my head goes blank.

I worked in offices for years and at my worst I would feel panicky on my way to work about who may ring or who i may have to ring. At my best I would use the phone and feel panicky about panicking (if that makes sense)

It doesnt matter if its family, friends or something like the bank, etc I just clam up. Once I have said 'hello, how are you' and whatever I have to say I cant get off the phone fast enough. I have caller display and if I dont recognise the number I will not answer it unless I am feeling really brave. I only ever phone someone if i really have to (thank god for emails :) )