1. Emma Johnston
Emily Carroll

2. WHEN YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE PHONE
CONVERSATION
 If someone is on the phone and you need to talk to
them say “Excuse me, can I talk to you for a
minute? It’s important.”
 When you are on the phone and you need to speak
to someone else, say “Please excuse me, I need to
answer a quick question.”
 Don’t ask questions or make comments about a
phone conversation that takes place in your
presence but does not concern you.

3. TIMES FOR THE PHONE
 When you call someone ask if it is a good time to
talk or if you should call later.
 If a phone conversation goes on longer then is
expected say “May I call you back later.”
 Try not to call after 9:30 at night, or before 9:00
a.m. unless it is urgent.
 Try not to make calls during the dinner hours.
 If you must answer the phone during a meal ask the
caller if you can call back after the meal.

4. MESSAGES
 Always ask to take a message of the person is
unavailable.
 Make sure you write the message down.
 Make sure you give the person their message.
 When taking a phone message make sure the
message is clear to you.
 If necessary ask the caller to repeat his/her
message and repeat her name.
 Always read the telephone number back to the
caller to make sure you wrote it down correctly.

5. ANSWERING THE PHONE
 When someone asks “Who is this?”, say “To whom
do you wish to speak?”. Do not tell him/her your
name.
 When someone calls ask “Who is this please?”’ or
“Who is calling please?”, or “May I tell him who is
calling?”.
 Say “Just a moment please.” Set the phone down
and find the person who is wanted on the phone
rather than yelling for them.

6. SOLICITING CALLS
 Chose weather or not to return unsolicited
messages or voice mails.
 If you receive a solicitation call, state that you are
not interested, thank you, and hang up.

7. WHEN OTHER PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED
 Do not carry on an extended phone call when you
are visiting or have a visitor.
 When you are waiting for a call say so at the
beginning of the conversation.
 Acknowledge partners and spouses when you
phone.

8. PUBLIC PHONE USE
 When using a public phone, Be aware of others
who may need to use the phone and keep your
conversation brief.
 Do not rip pages out of public phone books for your
personal use.