Today people can’t go anywhere without their phones. They rely on them throughout the day to talk to friends, make weekend plans and discuss family and social matters. Social calls are very informal, with little structure and often no planning. However, professional calls are completely different and planning is required when making effective international calls.
When using a phone professionally, you not only influence your own credibility but you also represent the professionalism of the company you represent. If you want to build your credibility and create a strong positive perception of your employer, you need to develop professional telephone skills.
In the telephone calls you make and voice mail messages you leave, you have limited communication options. Unlike face-to-face communication, you cannot convey non-verbal communication. Consequently, you need to make wise decisions about how to use voice tone, inflection, attitude and emphasis to convey your messages with interest, trust, focus and professionalism.
6 Keys to Making Effective International Calls
Like all communication, the key to making a successful phone call rests on your ability to plan a conversation. The following 6 keys to making effective international calls will improve your success.
1. Schedule a beneficial time.
Timing makes all the difference in the world. Special consideration should be given when calls are placed to different cultures and countries outside your time zone. Certain times are always better to call than others. Try to determine the best time to reach the person you are calling and whether it will be a good time to talk.
2. Confirm details.
Before calling, make sure you have the correct name, position and phone number for the person you need to contact. If the person speaks a different language, hire a translation services company to assist in the conversation.
3. Plan the conversation.
Create a guide to direct the conversation and include a list of questions and points to discuss.
4. Get organized.
Collect everything you need, as well as whatever might be referenced during the call. Instead of making the other person wait, have everything readily accessible. Never make your caller wait for you while you collect or find what you need.
5. Prevent distractions.
Host and schedule your call to avoid any possible distractions and interferences that can weaken effectiveness and appear impolite and inconsiderate.
6. Be courteous.
Allow for the exchange of simple pleasantries and then focus on having a positive, friendly, professional conversation.