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» Telephone etiquette or basic rules of conduct during a telephone conversation: a list, phrases. How to properly introduce yourself on the phone when making an outgoing call in a company, office, home call? How to answer phone calls in the office and at home? The thing is

Telephone etiquette or basic rules of conduct during a telephone conversation: a list, phrases. How to properly introduce yourself on the phone when making an outgoing call in a company, office, home call? How to answer phone calls in the office and at home? The thing is

Veniamin Levitsky (Magdeburg)

Impossible to imagine life modern man without a phone. Communication on the phone has become one of the necessary needs, an important component of his personal and business life. The phone provides a continuous rapid exchange of information at any distance and at any time, allows you to quickly resolve business and personal issues.

Studies show that up to 25% of working time is spent on business telephone conversations, and in 90% of cases the telephone is the main working "tool".

business phone conversation is a form of oral remote business dialogue carried out with the help of technical means. One of the features of telephone conversations (with the exception of a conversation with a video image) is the lack of use of such important means. non-verbal communication, as gestures, posture, facial expressions, facial expressions, spatial position of the interlocutors.

Therefore, in order to convey the nuances of a conversation, it is necessary to activate the verbal expression, Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to voice and speech characteristics: tonality, timbre, intonation of the voice, the use of competent speech formulas.

To improve the efficiency of a business telephone conversation at its different phases, you can use the following recommendations and techniques.

Preparing for a telephone conversation

1. Dial the phone number of the interlocutor only when the purpose of the upcoming conversation is clear to you.

2. Write down in advance the main questions that you are going to ask your interlocutor.

3. Cook Required documents that may be required during the conversation (certificates, correspondence, reviews, reports, acts, etc.).

4. Select optimal time for a telephone conversation, having previously found out from the business partner the time of the conversation that is convenient for him and agreed on it in advance. Make unimportant phone calls that you have to make during the working day when they do not disturb your business rhythm. Use whenever possible for telephone conversations pauses between cases and meetings; the most favorable time for phone calls is from 8:00 to 9:30; from 13:30 to 14:00 or after 16:30. Calling your business partner on a home phone for a business call can only be justified by a serious reason. At the same time, whoever you call, boss or subordinate, should not do this after 22 hours, unless there is an urgent need for this or prior consent to the call has been obtained.

5. When conducting business conversations, consider the features of use modern means telephone (electronic) communication: radiotelephone, pager, mobile phone, software Skype. pay attention to information security: valuable and confidential information can become the property of not only hackers, but also competitors; consider the risk of losing sensitive data.

Rules for conducting a telephone conversation

If you call observe following rules conducting a telephone conversation:

1. At the beginning of a telephone conversation, introduce yourself and state its purpose, and only then move on to the essence of the conversation.

2. Try to imagine your caller sitting across from you and talking to you, using a language that is comfortable to use in a live conversation.

3. Maintain a delicate style of negotiations, be polite, correct, respectful and friendly, do not show negative emotions, even if you do not like everything in the conversation.

4. Speak clearly and clearly, keep in mind that the phone exacerbates the shortcomings of speech - fast or slow pronunciation of words makes it difficult to understand. So, in the countries of the Indo-European languages, they speak at a speed of 200 to 500 syllables per minute, the speed below or above these values ​​is defined as "extremely slow" or "extremely fast" respectively. Pay special attention to the pronunciation of numbers, proper names, consonants. If in a conversation there are names of cities, proper names, surnames, Internet addresses, etc., which are poorly perceived by ear, they must be pronounced in syllables or even letters to avoid errors;

5. Be brief - as analysis shows, in a telephone conversation 30-40% of the time is occupied by repetitions of words and phrases, unnecessary pauses, extra words. 6. Do not interrupt the conversation if an important phone call comes in on another device. In case of emergency, ask permission to interrupt the conversation and assure your partner that you will call him back in 10 minutes.

6. During a telephone conversation, avoid "parallel conversations" with your employees.

7. Ask the consent of your interlocutor if you want to record a conversation on a voice recorder, connect a parallel device or turn on the speakerphone so that people in the room can listen to the conversation.

8. At the end of the conversation, briefly summarize, clarify whether the interlocutor understood you correctly, list the measures that need to be taken on the issue under discussion (who exactly, when and what should be done).

9. If necessary, promise to give the interlocutor a brief written confirmation of the telephone conversation that took place, a copy of the dictaphone recording, etc.

10. During a conversation, write down important details such as names, numbers, and other important information which your colleagues will then be able to see.

11. Watch (especially for long-distance and international calls) the duration of the call, take into account its cost, use an electronic gebur counter for these purposes.

12. End the conversation as soon as its goal is reached. At the end of the conversation, be sure to say etiquette phrases: an apology, words of gratitude, assurances. The end of a conversation, like its beginning, leaves the most vivid impression.

If they call you observe the following rules:

1. Who to pick up the phone? Secretary (if any) or you.

2. When to pick up the phone? After the first call, but not later than the fourth.

3. First words: Not "Hello", "Yes" or "I'm listening", but "Company..." "Department...", "Management..." or "Director", then you can give your last name.

4. Whom to give preference to: a phone call or a person with whom a conversation is being conducted in the office? It all depends on the situation: if the conversation ends, ask the subscriber to wait; if the conversation lasts another 10 - 15 minutes, ask the subscriber to call back after a certain time;

5. You have a long conversation or you have a lot of visitors. In this case, write down the phone number and call back when you are free.

6. Who calls back if the conversation is interrupted? The one who called.

7. How to talk about a sensitive topic in the presence of people in the office? Don't speak at all. Find an opportunity to talk later when you are alone.

8. What is the optimal length of a business phone call? No more than 3 minutes: mutual introduction - 20 seconds, plus or minus 5 seconds; bringing the interlocutor up to date - 40 seconds, plus or minus 5 seconds; discussion of the essence of the matter - 100 seconds, plus or minus 5 seconds; conclusion - 20 seconds, plus or minus 5 seconds.

9. Who should be the first to end the conversation? The one who called.

After a phone call

After a telephone conversation is completed, it is necessary to record all of its important points. In this way, you can capture the important information received for future work. Write down who called, when they called, summary conversations and agreements reached.

I hope that the above recommendations and techniques for conducting business telephone conversations will help you successfully resolve business issues over the phone, and in conclusion I would like to quote the words of the 17th-century French writer-philosopher Francois de La Rochefoucauld:

"... True eloquence consists in saying everything that is needed, but no more than that ...".

In our progressive age, the dominant position is occupied by communicative interaction. Most complex issues and tasks can be resolved through telephone conversations. Thanks to communication through this means of communication, people are able to conclude the most advantageous agreement or, in the "wrong scenario", completely lose an important client. That is why every literate man must master the basics of telephone etiquette. What is business communication by phone and how to conduct it correctly is the topic of our today's article.


Any of us should learn how to negotiate correctly, since the person conducting the conversation does not have the opportunity to see the opponent and his actions. To persuade a potential client in your direction in such a way that he does not have the desire to hang up the phone in the first minutes of a conversation will require a lot of effort. The reputation of a person and the organization he represents depends on the ability to conduct telephone conversations.

Preparing for an upcoming conversation

Before a serious phone call, you should carefully prepare for it as follows:

  1. Prepare yourself morally.
  2. Formulate, and it is better to write down the goal, plan and main issues of the upcoming conversation on paper, which will always lie in front of you during the negotiations.
  3. Be sure to prepare all the materials that may be useful during telephone conversations.
  4. It is necessary to move away from negativity and personal problems even before the conversation begins, since the voice can give out an aggressive attitude, which the client often takes personally.
  5. The time for negotiations must be chosen so that it is convenient for both you and the interlocutor. If you are planning to call a business partner, try to arrange a convenient time with him in advance.

Phone business basics

When making a call, first of all, you should stop and tell the purpose for which you are calling. In this case, it is necessary to choose a friendly tone. A telephone conversation should take place without long pauses, it should be energetic and concise.


You can not exert psychological pressure in the process of negotiating, because in this case it is unlikely that you will be able to win the favor of a potential client in this way. Try not to ask the wrong questions. In the event that a telephone call is international or long-distance, it is necessary to ensure that it lasts no more than six minutes. All business proposals and requirements must be supported by arguments. Questions should be answered truthfully and briefly. It is better to outline the conversation plan in advance on paper.

At the end of the conversation, be sure to say again all the agreements that you came to during the conversation. Since you initiated the call, the end of the conversation should also come from you, except for situations where the interlocutor is more senior.

When at the end of negotiations you promise to call back, try not to delay it and make a second call within 24 hours. Be sure to keep in mind that you cannot dial partners to your home number.

In a situation where, having called, you do not find your partner at the workplace, specify a convenient time to call him back and do not ask where he is now. From the point of view of business ethics, this is incorrect.


Observe the following rules of business etiquette:

  • Try to pick up the phone after the third ring at most.
  • When answering from the workplace, you need to greet the person, say the name of the company, and then introduce yourself.
  • If the caller does not introduce himself, politely ask him to give his name. For example, the following phrases would be appropriate here: “I would like to know who I am talking to”, “Could you introduce yourself?” or “Excuse me, how should I address you?”.
  • Answering the interlocutor's questions should be as quick as possible to find phone numbers that may be useful during negotiations.
  • If you get a call at lunchtime, ask someone else to answer so you don't answer with your mouth full.
  • The caller will have to end the conversation, if the initiative comes from you, the act will look unethical.

What mistakes are made during a telephone conversation

Numerous studies that have been conducted among business people have indicated that about 56% of calls are made without greeting phrases. Explaining the reason for not saying greetings, the businessmen said that it goes without saying, and that it’s not convenient for them to say hello many times during the day. It is important to remember here that in verbal communication there is nothing that goes without saying, and therefore every phrase must be voiced.

In no case should you interrupt the interlocutor in the middle of the conversation - give him the opportunity to express his thought to the end. It is necessary to pronounce words clearly, as well as to monitor the tone of speech and its volume. There should be a pause between questions to give the interlocutor the right to answer.


Negative emotions should not be given free rein, as this may offend a business partner.

  • Do not pick up the phone for a very long time.
  • At the beginning of the conversation, you can not pronounce the words: “speak”, “yes”, “hello”. Unless it's your old friend.
  • Have multiple conversations at the same time.
  • Leave your phone unattended even for a few minutes.
  • Use paper scraps for notes that are easy to lose later.
  • Hand over the phone to colleagues many times.

If you speak with an accent, try to pronounce phrases as clearly as possible. In no case do not clamp the handset with your hand to comment on the conversation with colleagues, since the interlocutor can hear everything. Thus, you will find yourself in an awkward situation.

In the case when the interlocutor voices a complaint to you, you cannot tell him that this mistake is not yours, or this issue is not within your competence. Such a response can negatively affect the reputation of the organization and will not help in solving problems. If there is your fault, be sure to apologize and try to solve the problem as quickly as possible.


There are some phrases to avoid:

  • "I dont know".
  • "We can't solve it."
  • "You must".
  • "I'll be back in a second."

It is better to replace these answers with neutral ones, which will be more loyal and will not spoil the reputation of the company. When you are not able to give an exact answer, it is better to say that you will try to clarify the information and call back. Use these phrases:

  • "I'll check the information and get back to you right away."
  • "We will try to resolve the issue."

By following the culture of business communication on the phone, you will be able to establish yourself with better side and confirm the positive image of the company you work for.

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Classmates

From this article you will learn:

  • What are the rules of business telephone etiquette if you call
  • What are the secretary's telephone etiquette rules
  • What are the rules of telephone etiquette for a call center

Being polite on the phone is the key to a successful conversation. Never forget the rules of telephone etiquette. You are mistaken if you think that a telephone conversation does not matter. Compliance with the rules of telephone etiquette contributes to the development of a constructive dialogue between the interlocutors, allows you to direct relations in the right direction long before the scheduled meeting. In our article we will talk in detail about why, to whom and how to use the rules of telephone etiquette.

Why are telephone etiquette necessary?

Proper telephone conversation is complex and important view communications. Your interlocutor cannot see your eyes, face, facial expressions, posture and gestures. He only hears your voice. Even though you don't know that either. Maybe he's just pretending to listen to you. And he himself watches his favorite TV series, makes a sandwich and, listlessly humming in response, waits for you to finish your monologue. Studying the rules of telephone etiquette will help you to always be an interesting conversationalist, keep the conversation concise and understandable, without wasting too much time, end the conversation with a positive result . This is especially important for a business conversation, when frequent mistakes reduce its effectiveness.

The interlocutor does not see your clothes, facial expressions, gestures, or any other non-verbal aspects that help to suggest the nature of communication. However, a well-chosen pause, its duration, or the right intonation will help turn the dialogue in the right direction.

Telephone communication dictates its own terms and rules of communication. It is the knowledge and observance of the rules of conducting a telephone conversation - etiquette that distinguishes a professional. Business communication does not take anything for granted. Your partner should not guess what you meant. The success of negotiations very often depends on the correctness of the conversation and clarity of presentation. The lack of a greeting or a respectful treatment can turn potential partners away from you for a long time. A frivolous attitude to a business conversation can give rise to the same attitude towards you as a business partner. Knowledge of the basic rules of telephone etiquette is essential for successful person.

Telephone etiquette and its basic rules that are not related to the conversation

Nowadays, few people imagine their life without a mobile phone. It has become a part of our life. Convenient and important part of it. To mobile devices did not interfere, but helped your life, you need to know and follow the rules of telephone etiquette. Consider some of the most relevant to mobile phones.

Being in a public place, set your mobile phone to a specific mode. Business calls can also be made as usual. Reduce the volume to a minimum during a meeting or an important conversation. When you go to a library, cinema, museum, or exhibition, mute your phone so you can enjoy the art without disturbing other visitors. Also, turn down the ringer volume when visiting a restaurant or coffee shop. You can use vibration mode.

Mobile etiquette recommends turning on the silent button set if you're in a public place. By typing the text of the message and accompanying each letter with a sound signal, you can irritate the people around you, giving rise to their negative attitude towards you.

Don't put your cell phone down phone on the table if you came to a restaurant or cafe. The call will be perfectly audible if the phone is put in a pocket or bag. But this rule of telephone etiquette does not apply at all to sports bars, where it is very noisy.

Being driving a car, you can only use the mobile phone with the headset (hands-free). But it's still very distracting from the road. You should not talk on the phone while driving a car, this will lead to at least a fine, but I don’t want to remind you of other consequences.

Etiquette rules prohibit the use of ringtones containing obscene words or swearing, offensive expressions, statements that are offensive to a certain group of people.

Silent mode mobile phone is specially designed to mute the ringer at the right moments. These are business negotiations, meetings, visiting a library, cinema or exhibition, etc. When answering a call is important to you and cannot be put off, apologize to your colleagues and go out to talk. If you know in advance about a possible important call, warn about it even before the meeting or negotiations begin.

turn off mobile required during an airplane flight or hospital visit to avoid its effect on the equipment. Rules of etiquette recommend that you turn off the sound of the phone before the start of a performance or movie. Cell phones must also be turned off in church. You need to turn off your mobile phone wherever there are signs with such a request. If you need an urgent call, you just need to leave the restricted zone.

going to talk on a cell phone move away from people nearby. In order not to disturb them with your conversation, walk about five meters to the side or call the interlocutor later. You should not talk on a mobile phone while in a crowd of people. An underpass, a tunnel, or a crowded vehicle is no place for a business conversation or idle chatter. If the call is important to you, then pick up the phone and say that you will call back later. Think about the fact that people around you can be annoyed by a long-playing ringtone. The best option way out of the situation will be sending an SMS message explaining the reason and a promise to call back.

If the environment allows you to talk on the phone, then try to do it as quietly and calmly as possible, without attracting the attention of other people.

According to the rules of telephone etiquette, SMS messages can be sent at any time of the day. If the subscriber does not want to hear them, he will turn off the sound of notifications. He will read them as soon as possible.

Rules of telephone etiquette categorically forbid view the content of SMS messages and call logs in other people's phones. This rule applies to everyone, including the closest people. This is considered bad manners.

You should not use another person's phone unless they have given you permission to do so. Also, do not give someone else's cell phone number without consulting with its owner. This can make him irritated and negative towards you.

Basic rules of business telephone etiquette

  1. hello

The first rule of business telephone etiquette is the obligatory greeting of the interlocutor. It seems to be a common truth, and no one needs to be taught this, but statistics on verbal business communication show that more than 55% of telephone conversations remain without a greeting. According to the advice of psychologists, it is better to say “Good afternoon” at the beginning of a conversation than “Hello”, because the second word is due to a large number consonants are difficult to perceive. It's also better to avoid wishing good morning or good evening, as negotiations are carried out during the working day.

  1. Have writing tools

Always be ready to write something down. The presence of note paper and a pencil is the second rule of telephone etiquette.

  1. Don't juggle things

While on the phone, try not to get distracted by other things. The third rule of telephone etiquette categorically prohibits combining food and business conversation over the phone. It's disrespectful to say the least. Your interlocutor may think that you are as careless about business as you are about a telephone conversation with him.

  1. Politeness

Polite and courteous conversation is the fourth rule of business telephone etiquette. Screams and irritation during a telephone conversation are strictly prohibited, especially if it is a business conversation. Insults and swearing are unacceptable in interpersonal and business communication, in any form.

  1. If someone came

The rules of telephone etiquette recommend that you correctly end the conversation immediately when a client comes to you or guests come to your house. Apologize, briefly state the reason for interrupting the conversation and agree on a second call. Such behavior will endear you to both the visitor and the telephone interlocutor. If you are at home, then tell him that you are sorry, but since a guest has come to you, you will call back tomorrow morning. If you are in the office, then also apologize, but since the client came to you, you will call back in an hour. And never forget to keep your promises.

  1. If the connection is broken

The rules of telephone etiquette stipulate that in the event of an unexpected interruption in communication, the initiator of the call should call back. If during a conversation between an employee of the company and a client or customer, the connection is interrupted, then the representative of the company calls back.

  1. Right Voice

The rules of telephone etiquette state that it is the first words and the sound of your voice that determine the further style of communication. Facial expressions and gestures do not accompany a telephone conversation. Only the ability to politely and competently express your thoughts will help you make a favorable impression on the interlocutor. In a telephone conversation, your voice replaces everything - and appearance, and temperament.

Start the conversation with calm phrases. Do not immediately cover the interlocutor with a waterfall of information. Try setting it up for a conversation first. When changing intonation, try to highlight the most important words. Communicate information in short messages so that one sentence contains one thought. But there is no need to replay, portraying a deep and velvety voice. Falsehood is heard immediately. You can simply adapt to the interlocutor, using his rhythm and pace of conversation. Such conformity will flatter him. Posture, facial expression, posture - it all determines your voice. It is necessary to tune in to the conversation both literally and figuratively. Polite, concise, calm speech and competent posing of questions is the key to successful telephone conversations. And no cigarettes in your mouth, chewing gum, lollipops, tea during a telephone conversation. Try to keep it quiet around, and nothing interferes with the goal of the conversation.

  1. Technique active listening

Business telephone etiquette emphasizes the importance of active listening. The interlocutor should feel that you are listening carefully to him. Support his speech with the words “yes”, “clear”, etc. Keep the conversation under control, not allowing the interlocutor to stray from the topic and drag out the conversation. Try to answer a question with a question, thereby leading the interlocutor to a personal meeting.

  1. Abstract
  1. Intonation

It is a well-known fact that three channels are involved in the transmission of information - body language, intonation and words. In personal communication, sign language takes center stage. However, during a telephone conversation, this channel disappears, and leading role plays the intonation with which the message is conveyed. The rules of telephone etiquette urge you to carefully monitor your intonation, especially when conducting business negotiations by phone.

The positive intonation of your voice allows you to favorably set the interlocutor to conduct a conversation, creates his mood, and you a good reputation. With the help of intonation, charge the interlocutor with your smile, energy and enthusiasm.

  1. Pose

The rules of telephone etiquette do not advise you to fall apart in an armchair or put your feet on the table during telephone conversations. While in this position, you change the angle of the diaphragm, which causes a change in the timbre of the voice, making it indifferent and disinterested. Do not allow this, because the interlocutor will immediately understand that you do not need this conversation.

  1. Speech rate

If your interlocutor is slow, then you try not to rush, giving him information. From the fact that you speak faster, he will not think faster. Just the opposite. Not keeping up with the speed of obtaining information, the train of thought is lost, and the person eventually becomes completely confused.

Another case is if the interlocutor quickly grasps and analyzes information. His speech is short, and the decision does not require much thought. In this case, your slowness and slowness can annoy him, he needs action. When communicating with this type of person, speed up your speech, but carefully control everything so as not to look ridiculous.

  1. listen to yourself

Try saying "Hello" a few times. different ways. Record on a voice recorder. Listen to everything. Choose the most suitable option which, in your opinion, has and sounds positive.

Choose synonyms for the word "Hello". For example, "yes" or "I'm listening." And now record with them. All this will help you hear your voice from the outside and choose the most good option timbre and intonation. Do this exercise until you achieve the desired effect. Remember it and try to always stick to it later.

By observing your own negotiation, you will realize that many problems disappear by themselves as soon as you begin to adhere to the rules of telephone etiquette. Observance of the simplest truths can win over people, help you achieve results and avoid unpleasant consequences.

Taking into account these simple rules of telephone etiquette, you will be able to establish yourself as a correct, competent person and a stable business partner.

  1. Brevity

Do not delay telephone conversations. The call should be short and clear. The rules of business telephone etiquette provide for the duration of a business conversation for about five minutes. If the issue requires a long discussion, then it is better to arrange a personal meeting.

When calling, first ask if it is convenient for the interlocutor to talk at the moment, and if not, then apologize and specify when to call you back.

  1. Right Priorities

Telephone etiquette teaches you to prioritize. If you are unable to answer incoming calls, then turn off your phone or entrust answers to the secretary. During personal communication with a client or visitor, you should not talk on the phone for a long time. Briefly communicate that you will call back later and specify when it is most convenient to do this. If you need to call in front of the visitor, apologize to him and make the call as short as possible.

  1. Don't talk in noisy places

The rules of telephone etiquette do not recommend conducting business conversations on the phone, being among a large number of people, in in public places, cinemas or transport. The noisy environment around to a minimum reduces the effectiveness of such a conversation, interfering with the correct perception of information.

  1. Who ends the conversation

The rules of telephone etiquette stipulate that the conversation on equal terms should be completed by the one who started it. If the conversation takes place with a higher management, then only on his initiative the conversation stops. The woman has the same privilege. Realizing that the conversation has dragged on, and you will not hear anything new, try to restrain your impatience. Try to correctly end the conversation, for example, with the phrase: “Thank you for your time and successful discussion of issues.” Politeness will form positive opinion about you.

  1. What to do with an annoying interlocutor

When communicating with an annoying interlocutor, the rules of telephone etiquette recommend not wasting your time on him and correctly explaining that you are unable to continue the conversation further.

  • The rules of telephone etiquette advise you to prepare in advance for all important conversations. Make a list of questions to discuss so you don't miss anything and don't call back several times for the same reason. This makes a negative impression.
  • The rules of telephone etiquette consider calls to the interlocutor's home or personal phone to discuss business issues with him a sign of bad taste. Even the fact that he himself gave you these numbers is not a reason to solve cases after hours. Successful businessmen should have time to discuss such issues during the day. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule. If you have just such a case, and you have previously agreed on a call, then choose a time no earlier than eight in the morning and no later than eleven in the evening.
  • The rules of telephone etiquette recommend composing a message in advance if you want to send it through an intermediary or an answering machine. This will enable you to compose the text more capaciously and correctly.
  • Try to find out in advance from the interlocutor when it will be convenient for you to call him. When you get through, check again if he can now devote time to you. The rules of telephone etiquette do not advise you to wait a long time for an answer to your call, 5-6 beeps will be enough. Always be ready to join the conversation if you do not call yourself, but instructed the secretary.
  • According to the rules of telephone etiquette, calls made before eight in the morning and after nine in the evening are considered unacceptable. And on a day off, you should not disturb anyone until eleven o'clock in the morning. But if you have to conduct business negotiations at such an early time, then you should not show your irritation, it is possible that this news cannot be postponed. Otherwise, hint to the interlocutor that you should not call you at such a time.

What to consider the rules of business telephone conversation etiquette if you call

  1. introduce yourself

Always state your name. Even despite the absolute certainty that you were recognized. The rules of telephone etiquette do not recommend the use of phrases like "you are bothered", etc. - this puts you in a bad light. It will be correct to first introduce yourself, giving your name, and, if necessary, position, and proceed to discuss the issues outlined.

  1. Find out if you're talking to the right person

Before starting a conversation, you should make sure that the one you need is on the other end of the wire. If you do not know for sure that the interlocutor you need picked up the phone, ask to invite him to the phone as follows: “Can I hear Nikolai Petrovich?” or "Please invite Maria to the phone." You should not guess who exactly answered the phone, listing all the familiar names, for example: “Hello, is this Masha? Not? Glasha? etc. You will look ridiculous and ridiculous. And you are unlikely to give the impression of a successful person with whom you can conduct common business. Just at the very beginning of the conversation, briefly ask, for example: “Vadim Petrovich?”. If this is the person you need, then say hello, introduce yourself and get down to business.

  1. Don't find out who's on the phone

It is not recommended to find out who picked up the phone by asking: "Who is this?". If you have doubts about the correct dialing of the number, check whether you got through: “Hello! Is this the Phoenix Company? etc. When you find out that the number is dialed incorrectly, try not to call back several times, but simply find the correct number, for example, on the website the right company.

  1. What to do if the right person is not there

Specify when it is more convenient to call back if the person you need is not at the place.

  1. How to leave a message on the answering machine

When thinking over the text of the message for the autoresponder, do not forget the order: first, greet, introduce yourself, specify the date and time, then briefly state the question and ask if possible to contact you, and at the end, say goodbye.

  1. At the start of a conversation

The rules of telephone etiquette advise at the very beginning of a conversation to always clarify whether it is convenient for your interlocutor to give you time at the moment. An untimely call can ruin a million dollar deal. If your interlocutor is busy with something more important to him, then all your suggestions will be ignored. Without delving into the little things, it is easier for him to refuse you than to be distracted from what he is doing. By calling at a more convenient moment, you could easily persuade him to make a deal, giving serious arguments, but now his thoughts are completely different, and your plans are thwarted.

  1. save time

The rules of telephone etiquette advise you to explain the subject of the call for no longer than one minute. It makes no sense for ten minutes to develop the topic of why you decided to call. Speak clearly and specifically so as not to waste time from the interlocutor.

  1. Don't Apologize, But Be Thankful

Don't apologize for taking up the other person's time, even if you feel like you're taking up a lot of their time. Your apologies will not do you any good, because the interlocutor will think that:

  • wasted time talking to you;
  • you are not confident enough in your abilities;
  • you don't value your time.

The rules of telephone etiquette advise replacing apologies with gratitude. Simply thank the other person for making time for you by saying, “Thank you for your time.”

What are the rules of telephone etiquette if they call you

  1. When to pick up the phone

Try to answer the call immediately, before about the fifth ring. Telephone etiquette recommends answering the third ring. The first is needed to postpone things. The second is to tune in. The third is to smile and pick up the phone. This is what demonstrates a respectful attitude towards the client and the corporate ethics of the company. Failure to comply with business etiquette indicates a low level of corporate ethics in the company.

Do not immediately grab the phone. Put things aside, tune in, smile and pick up the phone.

  1. How to answer

The rules of telephone etiquette strongly recommend not to use the words “Hello”, “Yes”, etc. in a business setting. When you pick up the phone, you should say the name of the company you represent. For example: “Company Triumph, hello!”. We advise you to think in advance of a greeting related to the specifics of your company. It is not necessary to give your first and last name, it is enough to indicate your position or department of the company. The main thing is that it becomes clear to the interlocutor which company he called and who is talking to him. And you don't need to find out who is calling if your colleague is asked.

  1. If there is no time

The rules of telephone etiquette consider it unacceptable to pick up the phone and, saying: “Wait a second,” make you wait for the caller until you are free. It is much more appropriate to say that you are busy at the moment and will call back later or name a time when it will be more convenient for you to talk.

While in a business meeting or meeting, mute your phone, giving priority to live communication. When finished, you can call back.

  1. If another person is asked

If you are asked to invite another person to the phone, answer, for example, like this: "Wait a second, I'm passing the phone to him." In turn, the one who is invited to the phone should thank for this.

  1. If he's not there

If you cannot invite an employee to the phone due to his absence, be sure to offer to call back after some time. For example: "Please call back in 15 minutes."

  1. When you are already talking to someone

The rules of telephone etiquette advise against picking up two phones at the same time, so as not to make one of the interlocutors wait while you talk to the other. You need to pick up the phone, apologize, and briefly explain the situation, offer to call back later. Or apologize to the first interlocutor, and after completing the first conversation, start the next one.

  1. If outsiders are around

What are the rules of telephone etiquette for the secretary

  1. Always introduce yourself when you answer the phone. The interlocutor must know who is answering him. Introduce yourself and greet him. State the name of the company you represent.
  2. Always keep your emotions under control, especially negative ones. The person needs to hear that you are interested in his call and are friendly. Conduct conversation politely, correctly and with a smile.
  3. When answering a call, try to pick up the phone in left hand. This will help, without changing hands, to make the necessary notes. Place note paper and a pencil or pen next to your phone. You can not interrupt the conversation in search of them.
  4. Priority for calls addressed to management. The rules of telephone etiquette do not recommend leaving a client calling management on the line. You should always be aware of whether your boss is in place. It is unacceptable to first connect the client, and later, having found out that the director is absent, tell them to call back later.
  5. According to the rules of telephone etiquette, the secretary needs to ask: “How to introduce you?”. The client must answer by stating his first and last name. After that, the secretary connects and holds the line until the director picks up the phone, returning to the client every 30 seconds.
  6. In the absence of guidance, all call data must be recorded by the assistant secretary. Records should contain information about who called, at what time, for what reason, to whom and when to call back. Subsequently, all information is reported to the head.
  7. To avoid mistakes, the rules of telephone etiquette advise you to immediately check them with the dictating person when recording data.
  8. There are many small issues that can be resolved and not at the management level. An experienced secretary-referent competently and correctly regulates telephone calls to management, if possible distributing them to other specialists.
  9. The rules of telephone etiquette oblige the assistant secretary to give as much as possible full information about the manager’s reception schedule, his ability to receive a call, if necessary, inform the planned time of the call.
  10. Each institution may have a range of information that is not reported over the phone. In this case, the assistant secretary recommends that the subscriber contact the manager in writing or in person.
  11. The rules of telephone etiquette recommend keeping a short, tactful style in a business conversation. The conversation should be complete and clear, not allowing any other interpretation.
  12. With a parallel call, the secretary must apologize to the interlocutor, briefly explain the situation and end the conversation.
  13. When a question is received to which the secretary does not know the answer, he must apologize and ask the interlocutor to give time for clarification and agree on a second call.
  14. Telephone etiquette emphasizes that restrained, tactful, friendly and respectful communication with any partner will be correct. You must always keep your emotions and actions under control.

Today, the telephone is often used as a means of business communication. Increasingly, firms located in one city are entering into deals and other agreements with organizations located on the other side of the country. Of course, business negotiations in such cases are most conveniently carried out by phone.

However, business communication on the phone is fundamentally different from private. The most important difference is that when conducting business negotiations, you put at stake not only your personal credibility, but also the reputation of the organization in which you work. So if you do not follow the etiquette of communication on the phone, you risk causing irreparable damage to your own company.

Phone business rules
Situation 1: You are the initiator of business negotiations by phone
Preparing for a business conversation on the phone

Before you make a business phone call, you need to carefully prepare:

  1. morally tune in to a business conversation;
  2. to clearly formulate the purpose of the upcoming business negotiations;
  3. plan the course of a business conversation by writing down all the questions you are interested in on paper;
  4. put in front of you all the materials that you may need during the implementation of telephone conversations ( clean sheets, pens, necessary documents, phone book);
  5. try to disengage from personal experiences and negative emotions before making a business phone call, because the voice will give out your dissatisfaction or aggression, and your interlocutor can take it personally;
  6. choose the most convenient time for you and your partners to carry out business communication by phone. If you are going to call busy people, agree in advance on the day and hour of business negotiations by phone.

Principles of conducting business communication by phone:


  • When you call a business partner, the first step is to introduce yourself and state the purpose of your call.
  • For business negotiations, you should choose a friendly even tone communication.
  • Business negotiations on the phone should be carried out energetically and concisely, avoiding long pauses and the use of vague phrases.
  • In no case should you try to exert psychological pressure on the interlocutor in the process of business communication, otherwise you risk not agreeing.
  • In business communication on the phone, it is extremely important to avoid incorrectly asked questions.
  • If you are making an international or long-distance business phone call, make sure that it does not exceed 6 minutes.
  • All your requirements or proposals to business partners must be logically stated and reasoned.
  • Clearly and accurately answer all questions asked by your interlocutor.
  • Write down the main points of business negotiations on paper.
  • At the end of a business conversation on the phone, once again voice all the agreements that you and your interlocutor managed to come to.
  • Since you called, it is up to you to end the conversation. An exception is the situation when your interlocutor is older than you in position.
  • After successful business negotiations, it will also be useful to send a protocol by fax to your partner, fixing the opinions of both parties on all points of the previous business telephone conversation.
  • If, as a result of business communication on the phone, you promise to call your partner back a little later, you should definitely call back within 24 hours.
  • You should not call business partners on your home phone.
  • If you are going to make a call to your business partner about a private matter, you should, firstly, pay attention to the time of day, and secondly, try to reduce the time of this call to a minimum.
  • If, having called, you suddenly do not find the person with whom you were going to conduct business negotiations at the workplace, specify when it will be possible to call back, but in no case find out where the person you need is at the moment.

Situation 2: A business partner is calling you

If you receive a call at work, it is advisable to pick up the phone after the second or third ring.

  • When answering a phone call at the workplace, you should first greet the interlocutor, then announce the name of the organization to which he called, and then introduce yourself.
  • In order for you to conduct a business conversation correctly, you need to know how to address the interlocutor. And, if he did not give his name and patronymic, you should find out in a friendly tone: “Introduce yourself, please!”, “I would like to know who I am talking to!”.
  • All questions asked by your business partner must be answered energetically and accurately. It is also advisable to quickly look for documents and phone numbers necessary for conducting business negotiations.
  • It is considered uncultured to keep a person who called you waiting for more than two minutes. If you do not respond within this time, according to the rules of business etiquette, he has full right interrupt the call.
  • If a business partner called you during lunch, you should not pick up the phone with your mouth full. Ask a member of staff to answer the call.
  • The person who called should be the first to say goodbye, do not take the initiative when you should not.

Secretary telephone etiquette is one of the most important features good secretary. Business telephone communication begins with the secretary, because it is the secretary who first picks up the phone in the company.

The task of the secretary is to receive all calls coming into the office, and then distribute these calls to departments or employees. The duties of the secretary may also include primary consulting of clients on the prices and services of the company, etc.

The impression of the company that the caller will have depends on how well the secretary knows business telephone etiquette, so this point needs to be given great attention.

If you are a secretary, then there are several secretary telephone etiquette rules that you are advised to know.

  • When you receive a phone call, introduce yourself. Depending on the size of the company and the rules adopted in it, you can introduce yourself in different ways, but in any case, you need to. "NN company, good afternoon!" or “NN Company, hello!”, or “International Cooperation Department, Ivan Ivanovich!”, or “Marketing Department, Ivan Ivanovich, good afternoon!”. You can’t say: “Hello!”, “Yes!”, “Speak!”.
  • Telephone etiquette of the secretary prescribes to pick up the phone before the fourth ring. In fact, it is better to pick up the phone after the second call, in extreme cases, after the third. After the fifth ring, as a rule, the call is considered lost.
  • Often the secretary has a so-called mini PBX, which receives several calls at once. If a second call comes in while talking on the phone, then wait for the speaker to finish the phrase and say, for example: “Could you wait one second?”. Pick up the second call only if you were told "Yes" on the first line. When you film the second call, introduce yourself and ask to wait a bit. You can't just pick up the phone and immediately put the caller on hold. Then return to the first line. If you see that the conversation on the first line will require more time, then take the phone number from the caller and call him back. According to the situation, you yourself will find out who it is better to take a phone number from and call back, and with whom it is better to continue the conversation, but in any case, business telephone etiquette recommends not making the caller wait on the line for too long. Don't make people wait if they call from mobile phones. In this case, it is also better to take the number and call back.
  • After you have introduced yourself, you will need to transfer the call to the person who actually called the interlocutor on the other line. If he doesn't introduce himself, ask for his name. For example, if he asks Ivan Ivanovich, say: "How can I introduce you to Ivan Ivanovich?". It happens that the caller described a situation to you, but another employee in the company is dealing with this issue. A fairly common mistake that many secretaries make on the phone is switching the client to an employee without briefly describing to another employee the essence of the problem that the client just told you about. As a result, the client is forced to once again talk about what brought him to your company. This creates a rather heavy impression about the company, especially if the next employee switches him somewhere again, and the client has to tell his story a third time, or even a fourth.
  • Leaving your workplace, arrange with another secretary to pick up the phone or, if you are the only secretary in the company, switch the phone to another employee. A phone left unattended gives a very bad impression of a company.
  • Never say “everyone is at dinner” on the phone, even if it is. This is extremely unprofessional. Ask who the caller wanted to talk to, and say that Ivan Ivanovich is currently in a meeting, and then take the caller's phone number and say that you will ask Ivan Ivanovich to call him back.
  • The secretary on the phone should not say: "Call back later." This is, unfortunately, a very common mistake. The client has already called you. According to business telephone etiquette, the call must be returned. Take the phone number of the caller and say that you will ask Ivan Ivanovich to call him back.
  • If you need to find out something while the person who called you is still on the line, in no case leave the phone as it is. Be sure to press the hold button, which will play music for the caller. The most important thing is that he does not hear what you are discussing, especially if it concerns him. Do not clamp the microphone with your hand, this will not help.
  • Do not talk on the phone while you are eating or drinking something. Also avoid phrases like “I don’t know”, “I can’t help you”, “wait”, “expect”, “you should”, “you need”, “you should”, “it’s better for you” when communicating. You can't rush the caller. You can't argue.
  • It is strictly forbidden to be rude to the caller. If an angry client called you, who may be emotional, and even put in a strong word, stay calm. In any case, these emotions do not apply to you personally. You didn't do anything wrong to this client. Therefore, one should not be offended, but understand that a person needs to speak out, “let off steam”. You can not explode and answer him the same. Stay calm. Listen to everything he wants to tell you, and then offer, for example, to connect with Ivan Ivanovich, who can help him. The most important thing is to let the client know that they want to help him solve his problem, and not just want to get rid of him like an annoying fly. Briefly explain to Ivan Ivanovich the essence of the problem. Do not force the client to explain everything again.
  • If the conversation ended up taking the caller's number, or the call was meant for you, before you end the conversation, thank the other person for calling the company. Say, "Thank you for calling, goodbye."

Secretary of the Department of General Affairs

financial studios for business "Delopolis"

Salnikova Kristina