How to Use the Telephone: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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Last Updated: January 16, 2024

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Most of us use the telephone on a daily basis, but we may not always do so in the recommended way. Here are some helpful steps for better phone experiences.

Steps

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  1. 1

    Mute or turn off the television before attempting to use the phone.

  2. 2

    Always say "Hello." Do not say anything else, unless you already know who is calling. Jokes, personal greetings, or random words can be off-putting to unknown callers.

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  3. 3

    Use an approved company greeting when answering a business call. Do not just say "Hi," as some callers will consider this unprofessional.

  4. 4

    Allow the line to ring at least five times before hanging up. This gives the other party enough time to finish (or interrupt) whatever they may be doing and come to the phone. If you called just to chat, hang up at five rings, otherwise it may get bothersome to the other party.

  5. 5

    If possible, ask anyone you call if it is a good time to be calling. Do not simply launch into a monologue without checking to see whether the other person is busy.

  6. 6

    Be sure to state the purpose of the call early in the conversation, and thank the other person before you complete the call.

  7. 7

    Be patient and listen to the caller carefully.

  8. 8

    Finished.

    See Also
    Telephone | History, Definition, Invention, Uses, & FactsThe surprising ways cellphones have changed our livesWho invented the telephone? - A Brief History | Bricsys BlogElectromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones

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  • Question

    What are the numbers for on this telephone?

    How to Use the Telephone: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (12)

    Community Answer

    The number one in a phone number connects you to the phone line network if it's a long distance call. The first set of three numbers connects you to the area of the country you are trying to reach. The second set of three numbers connects you to the section within the area code you need to reach, and the third set of four numbers is the phone number of the party's phone that is within the area.

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    Not Helpful 4Helpful 32

  • Question

    What are some reasons sweethearts use the phone?

    How to Use the Telephone: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (13)

    Community Answer

    Sweethearts use the telephone is to say "I love you" and to check on each other.

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  • Question

    Should you call your relatives to let them know you’re coming (so you don't show up unannounced)?

    How to Use the Telephone: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (14)

    Community Answer

    Yes! That's a great way to utilize the telephone! Your family will be very happy.

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      Tips

      • Smile while you're talking. This has a proven positive effect on the conversation.

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      • If a person does not answer by five rings, assume that they are talking on the phone to another caller via call waiting. Excess ringing is annoying while attempting to talk to another person.

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      • Have a pen and paper handy, or be ready at the keyboard to write down or type any addresses, phone numbers, dates, or other important facts that might be discussed during the call.

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      Warnings

      • Make sure that background noise is kept to a minimum during the call - including music, television, pets and children.

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      • Be aware that if the other person says, "Well, I'd better let you go", this is code for "You are talking too much and I need to hang up!"

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      • Do not chew gum, eat food, drink, or go to the bathroom while on the phone.

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      • Do not throw the telephone, drop it, or allow it to become dislodged and fall to the floor - the noise can be very rude to the person on the other end.

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      • Do not use the phone for abusive purposes. Harassing others with obscene or prank phone calls is not appropriate, and it may be illegal.

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      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 42 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 224,873 times.

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      Co-authors: 42

      Updated: January 16, 2024

      Views:224,873

      Categories: Phone Skills

      In other languages

      Español:usar el teléfono

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 224,873 times.

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      How to Use the Telephone: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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