Tips to Answer a Phone Call

Wait a moment to let go of whatever you were doing on so you can concentrate on the conversation. Bring a smile before you picking up the phone; it will surely make a difference in how you sound.

Say, "Hello" , "Hi" or maybe "The Smith's Residence". If you are a child or teen, say what your parents asked of you. Don't fool around with the greeting or salutations. It might be a figure of authority! Don't say 'Yo man' or something like that because you don't know who it is on the other end.

If the caller does not introduce him/herself, say, "May I ask who's speaking?" In this way you will not offend him/her.

Unless you are very sure of who is on the other end, do not involve into gossip or talk very soon until you are 100 percent sure that it is someone you know. If you talk too soon, it might baffle the caller, or you might even leak out some personal details to the speaker which you did not intend to share with strangers.

Listen carefully to find out what the reason the person is calling, and respond in a propper manner. Don't ever answer an unknown person unless you need to know some more information on why they were calling. Act with caution. If they ask for information about you or other people don't give it to them under any circumstances, even if they say who they supposedly are. Just pollitely say "I'm sorry sir/madam, I'm quite wary of giving away my personal details. Is it essential?" If the answer is yes then ask further questions, but try not to give away any details.