Phone phobia

[Dreaming]

I am fine on the phone to family and friends, but freeze up if I ring people I dont know. I am appling for jobs at the moment. And most of the jobs need you to have a confident manner on the phone, or its mainly phone based reception work, and this problem is really holding me back. Anyone in a similar situation. Or any one been in it and got themself out of it. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[gemma28]

icant give you any advice but i know exactly how you feel, when my husband is at work and my phone rings i dont answer it, im fine talking to people but 4 some reason i struggle to find the words on the phone,i really hate them,i think its a comfidents thing,i lack it so i thinks that what it could be. gemma

[JB]

Maybe you need to build your confidence up - are you currently out of work? I hate talking to anyone on the phone (friends and family included!) but am fine in work even though I spend a lot of time on the phone! Depending on where you live, there are companies who specialise in call centre training, which may help.

[ELVIS68]

Just try and be confident on the phone,if you have to ring someone have a small list of key points written down infront of you incase you become tongue tied and can quickly look at them to keep the conversation flowing,after all the person on the other end of the line may be just as nervous as you, I wish my missus would become tongue tied when she`s on the phone,sometimes I wonder if it`s been superglued to her ear...good luck

[Hermia]

I used to be like this. I think it is a common problem as I have certainly noticed that a lot of people who apply for jobs where I work get other people to ring up (esp. young people). Unfortunately this does make us worry about their suitability for the job. It is a problem as most jobs need people who are confident on the 'phone.

I think you need to keep ringing people until you start to feel comfortable. I used to ring places like the train station, local cinema or a shop. I'd just ring up asking for opening times or some trivial easily-answered question. It gives you the opportunity to improve your technique and overcome your nerves.

[stoo_pid]

Can't offer much advice I'm afraid but one little tip that's helped me quite a few times in the past is to stand up when you're on the phone. Sounds silly I know but if I've ever got to phone a difficult customer or if I have to make a complaint myself or even talk to someone I may feel a little intimidated by, I find that I feel much more confident standing up and/or walking round while I'm on the phone. Talking to strangers on the phone is a big part of my job & I personally feel I can deal with all sorts of people from nice old ladies to horrible bullies, but I still often use that technique.

I also try & picture the person I'm talking to. Even though I have no idea what they look like in the real world I find it's easier to be genuine if I can imagine them as an actual person rather than a bodyless voice in my ear. This can again be helpful if its a rude customer - I imagine them as toddlers having a strop rather than club-wielding neanderthals. I find that allows me to be in control without compromising customer service.

The problem with confidence is you can't just go out & buy a couple of tins of it at the supermarket. But, you can build up your confidence by 'surviving' difficult situations. In other words if you can try to maintain a positive approach & keep reassuring yourself, the more you do it successfully, the more confident you'll feel. Easier said than done I know, but it is possible with practice.

Good luck!

[Ouisch]

Keep in mind when you're calling someone you don't know, they don't know you either. You're just a voice on the phone, and they'll answer your questions or forward you to another person and not think twice about it. You don't have to see them face to face, so they can't secretly snicker because you're having a bad hair day. If you're answering phones in a reception job, it's even easier - the caller just wants you to take a proper message or forward his call to the right party. Two seconds after he's finished talking to you, he'll forget about you.

If you're answering calls, all you need to be is polite and accurate. If you're brand new to the job, it can be nerve-wracking, but most folks are understanding - we've all been there at one time. One thing I've learned over the years is it makes a better impression to say "I'll find out for you" or "Let me see if I can find someone to help you" rather than outright saying "I don't know." That also makes a better impression with your boss if he happens to overhear you.

Good luck!!

[Dreaming]

Hi all, thanks for all your lovely advice. Yes I am out of work at the moment, well say moment, Been a lone parent of 4 children for 7 years. Always worked before, but yes, my confidence has totally gone. Its like a brick wall is up against me. And I cant break through it. But I thank you all for giving your time to answer my question.