It's a phone, not an appendage

A recently published list of phone tips for job seekers serves as a good reminder for you, too. The column of tips mentioned several examples of what not to do when talking on the phone. Tales of hearing someone flush a toilet during a phone conversation, of having the other person's words drowned out by wind noise because he or she is outside while talking, and of radios, kids, and dogs being so loud in the background that communication is nearly impossible are becoming all too common today. As phone use becomes more and more ever-present in today's world, it's easy to forget that you should treat each conversation as a special opportunity to communicate with someone. And that means that you should give them your undivided attention.

The practice of talking on the phone while driving, while shopping, while typing, while ordering food at a restaurant, and even while watching TV, means that your phone conversation suffers and your other activity suffers, too (see the 5/1/12 blog post). Multitasking doesn't work. That's why people are dying and killing others along with them because they're trying to drive while on their phone or texting. When you stop whatever else you were doing and focus on your phone call and the person(s) at the other end of the call, you can concentrate on communicating. Then and only then can you use the skills you learn in your "Break Through the Clutter" Communication Seminar to help you communicate effectively.

If it's important enough for you to call someone, or for them to call you, it's important enough for you to care about your conversation. Put the focus on the other person and think about your conversation from their perspective. Will they be able to hear and understand you? Do you need to have this conversation at a later time when it's quieter for each of you, or you have better cell reception? Can you finish your conversation without any interruptions from other sources? Take all of this into consideration and you will make a better impression on the other person, and you will enjoy a more effective conversation.

Call or E-mail today to schedule your own "Break Through the Clutter" Communication Seminar for your group or business, 913-631-2985, bkthrucomm@aol.com. You'll be a hero for doing so.