Ring, Ring: The Lost Art of Telephone Etiquette

If you were talking to someone face-to-face, you wouldn’t also be checking emails or doing another task, no matter how simple, such as washing dishes. StockLite/Shutterstock

In a world of near-constant communication, we spend a lot of time talking to others while making calls or responding to texts. Make sure you’re a pleasure to communicate with by following these ironclad rules of phone manners.

Respond in a Timely Manner

When you see that you’ve missed a call and a voicemail has been left, return it no later than the next day. When someone makes the effort to reach out to you, it’s important to show them respect by responding as soon as possible.

The only exception is if you see a missed call from a number you don’t recognize and no voicemail was left. Too many people use automated dialers to make unsolicited phone calls, meaning if you answer a call from a number you don’t recognize, there’s a good chance it’s someone trying to sell you something you don’t want.

Be Professional and Polite

It isn’t always possible to take every call, so make sure you have an outgoing message to callers when you don’t answer. Keep the message brief and speak clearly. Resist the urge to use a clever message that may be confusing or simply inappropriate.