Echoes from the Archives

An interesting article for students looking back to the 1950’s in a periodical called “Our Studies”.

Telephone Etiquette

So many people use the telephone much more than letters as a means of communication, that it is surprising some emphasis is not made in English classes on the manner of its use.

1. Clear the Air

Answering the telephone with a meaningless “Hello” does not help at all. Something informative should be said, either by giving the receiver’s name or number.

2. Dial Correctly

To connect with a wrong number causes not only inconvenience to the receiver but also avoidable expense.

3. Explain Delays

It is not uncommon to ask for someone on the telephone and then be left for as long as five minutes during an unexplained delay. Such annoyance can be avoided either by informing the caller of the likely delay, or by suggesting that the caller may wish to ring later at a more convenient time.

4. Speaking Distinctly

Too many take for granted that their normal mumbling or slurred speech will pass muster just as well on the telephone as it will otherwise. It is necessary to make a conscious effort at distinctness.

5. Write it Down

Beside every private telephone there should be a memo pad and pen to record any phone numbers or messages.

6. Be Brief

Even though the telephone call is a more or less informal medium of communication. There are reasons why it should not be prolonged inordinately. Someone else may be waiting to make an urgent call.

7. No Confidences

Cross lines have sometimes been the cause of embarrassment and even injustice.

8. The Initiative

Awkwardness in terminating a telephone conversation would often be avoided if it was remembered that the initiative for terminating a call belongs to the caller.

9. Share the Burden

A reminder is needed for some thoughtless people who leave it to other members of the family to answer the telephone whenever it rings.

10. Be Pleasant

An individual’s personality is often found to be shown in the use of the telephone. The mechanical impersonality of the instrument needs a little human warmth.

Reference: Our Studies - Volume 30 No. 2 September 1957