Expert Reveals Mistakes in Telephone Etiquette: How Not to Offend the Conversation Partner with the First Words.

According to ТСН: The first second of communication is critically important as it shapes the impression of the conversation partner. However, familiar greetings can set a person up for negativity even before the conversation begins.

Public speaking coach Pavlo Matsyopa shared tips on his Instagram about which words to avoid, as well as how to conduct telephone conversations according to etiquette.

The expert notes that the use of popular phrases such as “hello”, “yes” or “I’m listening” can cause ambiguous perceptions in the conversation partner. These words often sound dry or impolite, demonstrating disinterest, which can negatively affect the further conversation.

Instead of automatic responses, the specialist recommends using more polite phrases that will demonstrate your respect for the conversation partner.

Start with a Greeting

Forget short phrases. It is advisable to start the conversation with a full greeting that corresponds to the time of day: “good morning”, “good afternoon” or “I greet you”.

After the greeting, it is important to ask whether the person has time for a conversation.

• Ask: “Is it convenient for you to talk now?”

• If the answer is positive — proceed to the essence of the conversation.

• If not — find out when it will be convenient to call back.

How to Properly Say Goodbye

Ending the conversation is also an important stage. It is necessary to say goodbye and wait for the last words of the conversation partner. Hanging up the phone before the conversation partner finishes their sentence is considered tactless.

If an agreement was reached during the conversation about some issues or a meeting was arranged, verbal words may not be enough. The expert recommends following up with confirmation or agreement in writing after the call to avoid misunderstandings in the future.

There is an etiquette rule: never be the first to end the conversation if you were not the initiator of the call. The one who calls ends the conversation. Violating this rule can be perceived as a desire to quickly end the conversation.

Lastly, psychologists explain that a temporary drop in mood after the holidays is related to changes in brain function, namely a decrease in dopamine and oxytocin levels. Returning to routine life, reducing social contacts, disrupting sleep and physical activity can lead to feelings of depression and loss of motivation. However, this state is usually short-lived and does not indicate clinical depression.

These tips from Pavlo Matsyopa will help improve communication skills and create a positive atmosphere during telephone conversations. The right words and forming polite requests can significantly change the impression of communication and increase the effectiveness of information exchange.