Using the Telephone Productively
Before the Internet, the telephone was the greatest revolution in communications technology - and it remains a valuable method of communication.
The author considers the telephone to be "the next best thing" to an in-person conversation, because voice is more expressive and interactive than text, and you can receive immediate feedback in the other person's voice and tailor the message accordingly.
When you're calling someone;
- Plan an agenda before you call - don't just "wing it"
- Place your own calls (don't go through a secretary, as was once the "mark" of an executive)
- Identify yourself quickly and clearly to the person you called
- Get their Ok to have a telephone conversation (is it a good time to call?)
- Use speaker phones judiciously and courteously - in fact, avoid them unless they are necessary. Consider teleconferencing instead.
- If you leave a voice message, treat it like a memo: provide complete and succinct information
- Be polite and direct with gatekeepers