2. WHEN YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE PHONE
CONVERSATION
If someone is on the phone and you need to talk to
them say “Excuse me, can I talk to you for a
minute? It’s important.”
When you are on the phone and you need to speak
to someone else, say “Please excuse me, I need to
answer a quick question.”
Don’t ask questions or make comments about a
phone conversation that takes place in your
presence but does not concern you.
3. TIMES FOR THE PHONE
When you call someone ask if it is a good time to
talk or if you should call later.
If a phone conversation goes on longer then is
expected say “May I call you back later.”
Try not to call after 9:30 at night, or before 9:00
a.m. unless it is urgent.
Try not to make calls during the dinner hours.
If you must answer the phone during a meal ask the
caller if you can call back after the meal.
4. MESSAGES
Always ask to take a message of the person is
unavailable.
Make sure you write the message down.
Make sure you give the person their message.
When taking a phone message make sure the
message is clear to you.
If necessary ask the caller to repeat his/her
message and repeat her name.
Always read the telephone number back to the
caller to make sure you wrote it down correctly.
5. ANSWERING THE PHONE
When someone asks “Who is this?”, say “To whom
do you wish to speak?”. Do not tell him/her your
name.
When someone calls ask “Who is this please?”’ or
“Who is calling please?”, or “May I tell him who is
calling?”.
Say “Just a moment please.” Set the phone down
and find the person who is wanted on the phone
rather than yelling for them.
6. SOLICITING CALLS
Chose weather or not to return unsolicited
messages or voice mails.
If you receive a solicitation call, state that you are
not interested, thank you, and hang up.
7. WHEN OTHER PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED
Do not carry on an extended phone call when you
are visiting or have a visitor.
When you are waiting for a call say so at the
beginning of the conversation.
Acknowledge partners and spouses when you
phone.
8. PUBLIC PHONE USE
When using a public phone, Be aware of others
who may need to use the phone and keep your
conversation brief.
Do not rip pages out of public phone books for your
personal use.