Telephone Etiquette

For Home (for business check under business etiquette) :

• Callers should identify themselves immediately.   If they don't you are correct to request the name of the caller before divulging if the person sought is home, busy, etc.

• When you have company and someone calls you, keep the call extremely brief with a promise to call back later.

• It is polite to answer the phone with a simple "Hello."   If you have a servant then adding the residents name is not improper but remember that in these modern times the less information you give out to those you don't know, the better.

• It is not impolite to hang up on a telephone solicitor, once you have said no thank you and they continue (as so many do).

• It is impolite to call a residence after 9 at night unless you are certain the person doesn't object.

• If you are calling to invite someone to something, let them know that up front, rather than asking if they are available on a particular night.  This keeps you from putting them in an awkward position.

• Never forward a call to someone's residence without clearing this with them first.

• When using call waiting remember that the first call is the priority.  Hence, when another call comes in, excuse yourself for a moment and return as quickly as possible.  Do not leave someone on hold while you chat with someone else.  If you are expecting another call, let the original caller know this from the onset.

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Etiquette Avenue © 1999