When communicating over the phone, what is a key practice to follow?

When answering the phone, identifying yourself is crucial for establishing clarity and professionalism. This practice helps the caller know they are speaking with the correct person or department, which fosters trust and improves communication. Identifying yourself also aids in setting a tone for the conversation, making it more personal and engaging. This step ensures that the caller feels acknowledged and is more likely to have their concerns addressed effectively.

Using nonverbal communication is not applicable over the phone, as the absence of visual cues can lead to misunderstandings. Only taking urgent messages limits communication and can overlook important information that might not seem urgent at first. Speaking quickly for efficiency can compromise clarity and may cause the caller to miss important details or misunderstand your message. Therefore, stating your name or role upon answering reinforces professionalism and facilitates smoother interactions.