
If you have ever worked in the customer service industry you have probably heard the advice to smile when you talk on the phone in order to improve the quality of the conversation. But does this little trick actually work?
The answer is yes, it really does. When you smile, you actually are sending messages to your brain that you are in a good mood. Even if this is not actually true, your brain will accept it as fact and your manner will change, including your tone of voice. You automatically become more relaxed and will sound warmer and more personable.
You are not the only person whose attitude is changed by your smile. Other people will recognize the smile in your voice and begin to ease up themselves. Remember smiling is contagious; it is hard to stay mad at someone with a smile on their face, or in this case in their voice.
Having difficulties remembering to smile on the phone? Here are some helpful tips that will bring that smile out in full force.
• Leave notes for yourself at your desk or wherever you talk most on the phone so you always see that little reminder
• Keep a mirror close by or check yourself out in a reflective surface to see if you are remembering to smile
• Look at things that make you smile while you talk – flowers, kittens, puppies, smiley faces, whatever does the trick
• Try reading jokes or funny comics before important calls so you’re relaxed and begin the call sounding warm and receptive
Next time you have to make a call, try smiling before dialing and see if it makes a difference!
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