Phone Etiquette

1. Phone Etiquette Emma Johnston Emily Carroll

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. Call From: Solicitor

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.