How to Use the Telephone

Last Updated: March 4, 2023

Most of us use the telephone on a daily basis, but we may not always do so in the recommended way. Here are some helpful steps for better phone experiences.

Steps

1
Mute or turn off the television before attempting to use the phone.
2
Always say "Hello." Do not say anything else, unless you already know who is calling. Jokes, personal greetings, or random words can be off-putting to unknown callers.

Advertisement
3
Use an approved company greeting when answering a business call. Do not just say "Hi," as some callers will consider this unprofessional.
4
Allow the line to ring at least five times before hanging up. This gives the other party enough time to finish (or interrupt) whatever they may be doing and come to the phone. If you called just to chat, hang up at five rings, otherwise it may get bothersome to the other party.
5
If possible, ask anyone you call if it is a good time to be calling. Do not simply launch into a monologue without checking to see whether the other person is busy.
6
Be sure to state the purpose of the call early in the conversation, and thank the other person before you complete the call.
7
Be patient and listen to the caller carefully.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What are the numbers for on this telephone?

Community Answer

The number one in a phone number connects you to the phone line network if it's a long distance call. The first set of three numbers connects you to the area of the country you are trying to reach. The second set of three numbers connects you to the section within the area code you need to reach, and the third set of four numbers is the phone number of the party's phone that is within the area.
Question

What are some reasons sweethearts use the phone?

Community Answer

Sweethearts use the telephone is to say "I love you" and to check on each other.
Question

Should you call your relatives to let them know you’re coming (so you don't show up unannounced)?

Community Answer

Yes! That's a great way to utilize the telephone! Your family will be very happy.

Warnings

Make sure that background noise is kept to a minimum during the call - including music, television, pets and children.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 25 Not Helpful 7
Be aware that if the other person says, "Well, I'd better let you go", this is code for "You are talking too much and I need to hang up!"

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 8
Do not chew gum, eat food, drink, or go to the bathroom while on the phone.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 18 Not Helpful 11
Do not throw the telephone, drop it, or allow it to become dislodged and fall to the floor - the noise can be very rude to the person on the other end.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 15 Not Helpful 12
Do not use the phone for abusive purposes. Harassing others with obscene or prank phone calls is not appropriate, and it may be illegal.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 15 Not Helpful 17