Speaking on the Phone - 2

As we discussed yesterday in the first part of this article, many Czechs claim they are uncomfortable whenever it is that they are forced to speak English on the telephone. Here are some tips which can help you.

Many Czechs are | foto: Profimedia.cz

Angličtina na iDNES.cz
VŠECHNY LEKCE ZDE

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Because you’re talking on a telephone, you can’t see the person you are speaking with. This means that you often have to play it by ear, or largely react to what you hear.

Try asking your questions in such a way that helps you build and exude confidence. Remember, there’s a human being on the other end of this conversation who must be "impressed" somehow, or motivated to help you.

For example, if you call for someone and you are told that they are not in their office, many people will just ask to take a message. You can do much more in such situations.

In other words, don’t be shy, try to be distinctive, so that when you call, people will tend to remember you from the rest of the pack.

Making it "personal"
You can help differentiate yourself from a bazillion other callers by doing little, but important things. Examples:

1. Try working the conversation towards something personal, or something memorable. Don’t be impersonal, acting as if the person you are speaking to really doesn’t matter.

They do matter: they’re human. 2. Instead of being told, "He’s not in right now, leave a message," ASK the person if there is a better time that you can call back. Example:

"I’m sorry, John is not here right now, may I take a message?"

"Is there a better time to call back, when John will be in his office? It’s important that I speak to him."

"Try 4:30, he’ll be back by then."

"I certainly will, thank you very much Dagmar, I appreciate it."

                                                     Part III tomorrow

  Jokes of the Day: MORE "Dumb" Laws

1. In the state of Kentucky a woman must have her husband’s permission in order to buy a hat.

2. In the state of New Mexico, it is against the law for a woman to appear “unshaven” in public.

3. In the state of Georgia, if you want to read books out loud in public to your children or friends, you must do so before 2:45AM.

4. In the state of Alaska, it is against the law to bring your pet Flamingo into any barber shop.

5. In California, it is against the law to bowl on the sidewalk.
6. In Ventura County, California, dogs and cats must first get a permit before they’re can have sex!

7. In Virginia it’s illegal to tickle a woman!

Angličtina vychází od pondělí do pátku.

Najdete ji také v bezplatném deníku Metropolitní expres.

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