How to talk to clients professionally on the phone?

Asked by: Helen Gerhold  |  Last update: June 16, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (60 votes)

With these 5 tips, you will be sure to nail how to speak on the phone professionally moving forward.
  1. Promptly Answer with Personalization. ...
  2. Use a Warm Tone of Voice. ...
  3. Choose Your Words Wisely. ...
  4. Speak Slowly and Clearly. ...
  5. Summarize the Call at the End.

How do you talk to clients on the phone?

Here are some essential phone skills you can apply when communicating with customers:
  1. Positive attitude.
  2. Clarity and strong diction.
  3. Interpersonal skills.
  4. Empathy and sincerity.
  5. Active listening.
  6. Professionalism.
  7. Organization.
  8. Politeness.

How do you speak professionally on the phone?

These steps will help you ensure you're as ready for that big conversation as you can be!
  1. Write down what you want to talk about. ...
  2. Rehearse the call beforehand. ...
  3. Start with some small talk. ...
  4. State your purpose in calling clearly. ...
  5. Remember good manners. ...
  6. Focus on pronouncing your words clearly. ...
  7. Try to listen as much as you talk.

How do you speak professionally to clients?

Maintaining a consistent tone
  1. Think of tone on a spectrum. Take the examples above: “Anything else?” and “What else can I help you with?” ...
  2. Use positive language. ...
  3. Be brief but not brusque. ...
  4. Reply in a timely manner. ...
  5. Always use your customer's name. ...
  6. Talk their talk. ...
  7. Be careful with jokes. ...
  8. Create a support style guide.

What are the 5 P's of phone etiquette?

The 5 P's of telephone etiquette are preparation, professionalism, patience, positivity, and personalisation.

How To Speak Effectively On The Phone - English Lessons - Telephone Skills

29 related questions found

What is the 3 second rule in telephone etiquette?

What is the 3-second rule in telephone etiquette? The 3-second rule aims to answer calls within 3 rings to show responsiveness and courtesy.

Do and don'ts in telephone conversation?

1) DO relax before taking or making an important call; if you are stressed, tired, anxious or angry this will be reflected in your speech. 2) DON'T interrupt your caller in mid-flow, attempt to second-guess what the caller is calling about or attempt to finish their sentences for them.

How to start a formal conversation on phone?

Starting a call
  1. Hello, this is [Your Name] from [Your Company].
  2. Good [morning/afternoon/evening], [Recipient's Name]. It's [Your Name] here.
  3. Hi [Recipient's Name], I hope you're doing well. ...
  4. Hello [Recipient's Name], thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.
  5. I'm calling about [specific topic or issue].

What are good customer service words?

7 useful customer service phrases you should know
  • "I appreciate your patience." ...
  • "I'm happy to help you." ...
  • "Let me take care of that for you." ...
  • "Is there anything else I can assist you with today?" ...
  • "I understand how you feel." ...
  • "Your satisfaction is our priority." ...
  • "I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

How to be a professional talker?

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:
  1. Nervousness Is Normal. ...
  2. Know Your Audience. ...
  3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose. ...
  4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It. ...
  5. Let Your Personality Come Through. ...
  6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language. ...
  7. Don't Read Unless You Have to.

How to sound professional on calls?

Speak Slowly and Clearly

Articulation is just as important as your tone and the words you are using. Make sure that you're not talking too fast, and not too slow, and articulating when stressing an important point, or conveying meaningful information, that the listener needs to hear.

What is the 5 telephone etiquette?

The five key aspects of telephone etiquette are: Answer promptly - Ideally, the phone should be answered within three rings. Identify yourself - Always start the conversation by introducing yourself. Speak clearly - Make sure to articulate your words properly and maintain an even tone.

How to be personable on the phone?

Be polite.

Always, always use please and thank you when speaking with anyone over the phone (or in-person for that matter). Words like “please” and “thank you” go a long way when trying to make a connection with a prospect, and they work especially well when you're trying to get through to a prospect.

How to talk professionally on a call?

10 Tips for Mastering Professional Phone Calls
  1. Identify Yourself (And, If Needed, the Other Person) ...
  2. Ask Questions. ...
  3. Take Notes To Stay Tuned-In. ...
  4. Listen More Than You Talk. ...
  5. Set Up a Professional Voicemail. ...
  6. Return Calls Quickly. ...
  7. Ask Permission Before Using Speakerphone. ...
  8. Stay Focused.

What is the rule of 10 in customer service?

For those that might not know what I'm referring to, the rule, if that is what you want to call it, is really a simple strategy: Within ten feet or so of a customer, you should acknowledge them with a facial expression. I add to that. It should be a smile!

How do you win clients over the phone?

‍Important Tips to Win Customers Over the Phone
  1. Prepare for the Call in Advance. ...
  2. Be Respectfully Firm on the Call. ...
  3. Personalize Your Messaging. ...
  4. Listen to Your Customers. ...
  5. Handle Gatekeepers with Respect. ...
  6. Maintain a Positive Attitude. ...
  7. Know When to Redirect. ...
  8. Engage Your Clients Throughout the Purchase.

What are the five forbidden phrases in customer service?

For better interactions with customers, Signature Service from Wilson Learning suggests you avoid these Six Forbidden Phrases:
  • 1. “ I don't know” ...
  • “I can't do that.” Preferred Response: “I can help you in this way.” ...
  • 3. “ You'll have to...” ...
  • “Just a second.” ...
  • “No” at the beginning of a sentence. ...
  • “That's not my job.”

What are the top 5 positive words?

Five positive words include joy, hope, kindness, gratitude, and bliss.

What are the 10 qualities of good customer service?

10 customer service skills for success
  • Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand another person's emotions and perspective. ...
  • Problem solving. Being able to solve problems is key to customer service. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Active listening. ...
  • Technical knowledge. ...
  • Patience. ...
  • Tenacity. ...
  • Adaptability.

How to talk clients on phone?

Handling Difficult Calls
  1. Practice active listening skills. Don't argue or interrupt the customer. ...
  2. Lower your voice and speak slowly in an even tone. ...
  3. Establish rapport through empathy. ...
  4. Avoid getting upset or angry. ...
  5. Avoid taking it personally. ...
  6. Remember you're interacting with a human.

How to end a phone call professionally?

To end the call politely, try one of these closing statements:
  1. “My apologies once again for any inconvenience. Thank you for your call.”
  2. “I'm happy we could make this right for you. Have a wonderful day.”
  3. “Thank you for calling. We appreciate your business.”

What to say at the beginning of a phone call?

Calling someone on the phone

Start with a greeting word, such as hi, hello, hey, good morning, or good evening.

What are the 7 P's of telephone etiquette?

Always keep in mind that effective business telephone etiquette requires you to be: prepared, present, polite, patient, personable, professional, proactive.

What not to say on the phone?

Receptionist Etiquette: 5 Things to Avoid Saying on the Phone
  • “I can't.” As a receptionist, you want to help your callers get to where they need to go, and “I can't” is a dead end. ...
  • I don't know. ...
  • She/he is on the other line. ...
  • Hold, please. ...
  • Just a sec.

What are 3 tips for phone etiquette?

Phone Etiquette Tips
  • Do not eat, drink or chew gum while speaking to a caller on the phone.
  • Speak clearly and project a positive attitude.
  • Have necessary resources available (message pad, telephone list, and pen).
  • Identify yourself when answering (“Good morning, Department Name, this is Jane Doe.”)