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Some people have phone anxiety at work because they think they will make a mistake during the call. To overcome this, you can practice making calls at home to build confidence and familiarize yourself with the mechanics of a phone conversation. During these practice calls, try smiling and using positive body language. Also, you can set goals for yourself and reward yourself for completing successful calls.
Avoid Overthinking
Phone anxiety is a very real issue that many people struggle with. Although nervousness before a call is normal, excessive fear can lead to a lack of productivity and career progression. However, there are several ways that you can overcome this fear and become more productive at work.
The first thing that you should do to manage your phone anxiety at work is to stop overthinking. Think about the overall goal instead of focusing on the words you will say during the call. Remember that sometimes texting vs talking on the phone can be helpful. This will help you to relax and feel more confident during the conversation.
You can also practice speaking with friends and colleagues over the phone to get more comfortable. Finally, remember to smile during the call. This will help you relax and convey a positive vibe to the person on the other end of the line.
Practice Makes Perfect
Phone anxiety at work may seem like a silly issue to joke about, but it’s a real thing for many people. If you’re an employer, you must empathize with your employees with this phobia. Even if they’re having trouble answering a call from a colleague or a client, you should still take it seriously and provide them with solutions.
Some people who fear talking on the phone experience symptoms such as shaky voice or shortness of breath. These are signs that they’re nervous and can come across as unprofessional.
To combat these issues, practicing speaking on the phone regularly can help you get used to it. You can also try techniques such as deep breathing and smiling to calm your nerves during calls. In addition, visualizing your conversation can help you to remain confident and focused throughout the call.
Focus on the Goal
Phone anxiety is a common problem, and it can be overcome. Managers should show empathy for employees who suffer from this phobia. The best thing to do is to work with employees with this issue to help them develop solutions and coping strategies to improve their performance over time.
For example, if you or your employee is nervous about speaking with clients on the phone, start small by calling family members first to practice. As you build your comfort level, the calls will feel less daunting. Reward yourself after successful phone conversations to reinforce positive behavior.
Other coping strategies include:
- Using apps for deep breathing exercises.
- Taking mindful pauses.
- Adopting a power stance to boost confidence.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to a support network of colleagues and friends who have experienced similar phone anxieties to get advice and encouragement. Lastly, consider seeking professional help to manage your or your employee’s phone anxiety.
Relax
When phone anxiety gets in the way of work, you can seek help through your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This free service provides confidential assessments and referrals for mental health issues. It is also important to practice self-care to feel your best when on a call. This includes healthy eating and exercise, getting enough sleep, and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress.
It will show in your voice and body language if you are not feeling your best. Try to smile, as this will make you feel happier and put a positive spin on the conversation. It also helps to imagine a scenario that excites you because excitement is associated with lower arousal than feelings of anxiety or fear. This can trick your mind into thinking you are more relaxed than you are. It may sound silly, but it can work!
