Here’s your professional communication skills training for the day delivered by motivational keynote speaker and communication trainer Dan O’Connor:
Today’s professional communication tip is simple but powerful. DANGER PHRASE: “Are you busy?” POWER PHRASE: “Do you have a moment?”
When calling a professional at work, never start the conversation with, “Are you busy?”
If someone is at work, we should assume they’re busy. To do otherwise would be insulting. Many people–whether they tell you or not–are offended when asked, “Are you busy?” Instead, try something such as, “Do you have a moment?” or “I wonder if I could have just a few minutes of your time?” And when you ask for just a few minutes, try to keep it to that unless the client takes the lead and extends the conversation. Whatever you do–don’t ever just start in talking, whether you are dealing with a cold call or someone with whom you have a business relationship. Always do the prospect or client the courtesy of asking whether this is a good time to talk. Never assume they were sitting there, just hoping to get a call from you.
If you take time to prepare your opening lines, you’ll get your conversation off on the right foot, and increase your chances of communication success–and therefore financial success. And by the way–do you know the best closing lines for a cold call? Drop me an email and I’ll tell you what they are.
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