Public Speaking

You might remember my pic from another blog illustrating energy accounting.  If you’d looked closely, you’d see that I have to do any number of things to boost my energy before calling a call centre.  

One of the reasons for that is the technology they use, which often makes them difficult to hear and understand.  

If you’re using technology to work with a client, here are some tips about clarity:

1.Wherever possible, try the technology from their point of view.  

It won’t necessarily be the same as from yours.  If there are issues, do your best to solve them or offer another method of communication.

2. If a client asks you to slow down or speak more clearly, do that for the duration of the call, not just the next sentence. 

Your client wants the information and is likely relying on it.

3. If you have to leave a phone message, again, speak slowly and clearly and repeat the information they might need to write down at the end.

Communication over tech is often missing the clues and cues we use for understanding when we’re speaking face-to-face.  Do your best to make up for those.

If this came across as a rant, you’ll understand that I’ve been on the phone to a call centre already today. 😉  I’m off to buy myself some flowers and pat a horse.