It's Good To Talk

CALL ME

With the internet here in this modern age, we have even greater power to connect & communicate with practically anyone from across the globe. It's become so easy to converse using an email. Quite often, this is the best way to get something down in words to be kept as reference so communication can be looked back on at a later date.

This is why dealing with insurance companies, councils or anything official like the tax office or DVLA etc. email is the best form of communication - because that's how they work... systematically. But, for really getting the best out of people, it's much better to meet face to face.  greater percentage of what we say, is picked up in body language, facial expressions and tone - with the content taken last. Essentially, it's not what we say, but how we say it. Looking someone in the eye, shaking their hand and being affirmative, polite, friendly... these are all things that are best done in person. It's still how we really make the best connections. For the next best thing - we should pick up the phone.

Happy Talk
We all try our best to get a decent days work done. Some of us are fortunate to have a job we really enjoy - but for the majority, it just pays the bills. So, if you want to get a positive result, call someone and start off by asking how their day is. Be friendly and inquisitive - ask where they are based? Enquire about their surroundings - is it sunny where they are? Talk about the weekend if it's just passed/approaching - and be charming. Make a better connection by sharing the environment across the phone and it will seem like there's no distance between you. If you are are on first name terms, use theirs frequently to make a connection early on. After a bit of chit-chat, put to them your conundrum/problem/request... and make it easier for them to want to help you out. Chances are, if you have an issue with the services this company provide - you won't be the only person who's called with an issue that day and hearing a moaning voice can get everyone down. So stay upbeat as much as you can and stand out as a positive person who they want to focus their best intentions on.

Be Bold
The same can be said about speaking with someone if you are the giver of bad news. An email is not the right delivery method for letting someone down - just as a text is wrong for letting someone go in a relationship. If you can't do it face to face, be bold and pick up the phone. Give the person on the other end a chance to take in the news, vent a bit of frustration and come to terms with the situation. The call can always be shortened by saying that you wanted to pass on the news personally. A follow up email will have all the specifics in it for them to read over afterwards.

Keeping Records Of The Conversations
If it's ever necessary to record a phone call, to use as reference at a later date - a really handy way of doing this is to use iPadio. If the talk is in person and you want it to remain a secret that you're recording the chat, use TSA. Both are available on iPhone and Android.