Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.
Advice / Succeeding at Work / Work Relationships

10 Tips for Pain-Free Phone Calls

We’re obsessed with our iPhones. Making calls on them? Not so much.

Calling may be harder than sending an email or text, but there are times when only a phone call will do. From sales and conference calls to checkins with your boss and “can-we-get-coffee?” conversations, we’ve got the tools you need to make every one a success.

  1. Not convinced you should be calling at all? Here’s why a phone call is better than an email. (Entrepreneur)

  2. If you know a call is coming, write down in advance your goal, questions you need answered, and info you need to get across. (Fast Company)

  3. There are plenty of times we dread picking up the phone. Learn how to mentally prepare yourself for a call you don’t want to make. (Gretchen Rubin)

  4. Don’t be a monotonous speaker! Improving your inflection on the phone will make you sound more engaged and more engaging. (For Dummies)

  5. You also don’t want to be a poor listener. Check out these tips for improving your phone listening skills. (Call Centre Helper)

  6. Do you know phone etiquette? Test your knowledge of the dos and don’ts. (Business Insider)

  7. Use the 20 or so minutes of your networking call wisely. Discover how to make every second count. (The Muse)

  8. Attention, job-seekers: This article on acing phone interviews could get you hired. (Forbes)

  9. Sales calls can be tricky, so take a look at these eight tips for making them successful. (Entrepreneur)

  10. Hopping on a conference call? Make sure you know the 27 unwritten rules. (The Muse)