Have you ever thought about what kind of first impression you make on the telephone? It's been on my mind since I hung up the phone yesterday with a guy who called to interview me. I thought afterwards, "Yuck, I didn't like him..." Of course we'd never met, only exchanged words through the receiver for about 15 minutes. But it got me thinking: why didn't I like him? Would he be different face-to-face? Maybe there's a disconnect between his phone manner and his live personality. But whatever the perception versus the reality, I think phone charisma is something you should master if you want to be successful in life (and especially in love). Too often someone can get a negative impression about you from what you say (or don't say) on the phone. They can't see your body language or facial expressions, which might lead to false assumptions about what type of person you are. Whether you're chatting with someone for business or personal reasons, you should always "give good phone."
After a ten-year dating research study where I interviewed more than 1,000 single men (and women) for my new dating book, "Have Him At Hello," I've identified 8 simple tips. As a matchmaker, my perspective is obviously the dating arena, but regardless of whether you're single or married, these guidelines will help you shine on the phone to make a great first impression:
- Use a Land Line whenever possible. There's nothing more irritating than spotty reception and always saying, "What? Sorry I couldn't hear you...."
He says, "How are you?"
You say, "I'm great! I just returned from an exhilarating run in Central Park with my best friend from college."
What does that tell him about you, even if it's subconscious? It says you are fitness oriented (you run), you're the type of person who has sustainable relationships (you've maintained a friend for 20 years since college), and you're an energetic, positive person (I'm great! The run was exhilarating!)."
Obviously don't make anything up (i.e., don't say you went running if you really didn't), but proactively think of something positive about yourself that you want the other person to know, even if he asks a vague question.