Telephone Anxiety - Are You Afraid of the Phone?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Buah]Jennifer Buah
I don't know what it is, but picking up that phone and calling sends my heart racing.  Yesterday, I held the number for the local Chinese place in my hand and I stood over the phone, picked it up, and listened for the dial tone. I slammed it back down.
"What's wrong?" my husband asked, walking into my computer room after hearing that loud noise. I was so frustrated.
"I am scared of calling," I said. "I am afraid they won't help me. I am afraid to talk to another person."
"Do you want me to call?"
"No, I just want to get over these fears of the phone!" was my aggravated reply.
If this scene seems familiar, you may be experiencing some sort of telephone phobia. Telephone phobia (alternate keywords: telephonophobia, telephobia), is considered to be a type of social phobia or social anxiety problem in which one experiences fear or avoidance of using the telephone.  The first step to overcoming your fear is to find out the root cause, then work on that. A therapist who specializes in cognitive therapy might help.
Here are some starter questions to consider as you start discovering the root of your fear:
� Are you afraid of confrontation?
� Are you afraid of ridicule?
� Are you afraid of rejection?
� Are you afraid you won't be interesting enough for your friends or business prospects to talk to?
� Are you afraid of what they are thinking of you or doing while you talk?
� Are you afraid you will run out of things to say?
� Are you afraid of miscommunication (of being misunderstood by them or misunderstanding what they say)?
� Are you afraid you won't be able to understand their accent or speech? Or that they won't understand yours?
� Are you afraid you will call at an inconvenient time?
� Are you afraid of silence?
Don't be scared of the phone - be prepared for the phone. Start by thinking, "What is the worst that can happen?" Remember that nobody can hurt you over the phone.
Below are some suggestions to help you confront your fear. Some may work for you and some may not. Experiment, be patient with yourself and keep in mind - the key is to PRACTICE. Make a call of some sort every day or maybe get a job/volunteer in a place where a telephone is involved. But start slowly. Maybe a call to a restaurant to ask them their hours. Or call a library to ask if they have a book. Gradually move your way to more challenging calls.
� Prepare a rough outline & script for the call. Don't write out the call word for word - you will sound scripted and become more nervous if/when you lose your place. Here are some key things to include in your script:
1) An opener - how you will introduce yourself,
2) Ask if this is a good time to talk - if not, don't forge ahead saying this will only take a couple minutes. Ask when a good time would be and get off the phone,
3) Have an outline for what you want to accomplish and stay on target, and
4) Have an exit strategy - how will you end the call.
� Keep a mirror in front of you and watch your face as you speak.
� Remember to smile - it will come through in your voice!
� Be the person who talks the least. Ask questions that can't be answered with a yes/no (questions that start with 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', 'which', 'how' or 'if' are good starting points) and then stop talking and let them talk.
� Have a pen and paper with you while you are talking so you can take notes on the key items.
� Don't be in a hurry to hang up. Be the last person to hang up the phone.
� Look at calls as an acting exercise. You can pretend to be someone else if you want - which can sometimes take the pressure off.
� Use a headset or a handheld so you can walk around or occupy your hands.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and other suggestions. I wish you the best and good luck!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Telephone-Anxiety---Are-You-Afraid-of-the-Phone?&id=6543756] Telephone Anxiety - Are You Afraid of the Phone?