Overcome my fear of talking on the phone

I’ve always hated calling people on the phone, other than my friends and family. I usually pretend they didnt answer and I “leave a message” or just say it kept ringing. I have to call this guy to get jobs at the skating rink I work at, and I never ever do it, just wait for him to call. I don’t know exactly what I’m afraid of, maybe just sounding stupid or something, but I don’t know.

HOPE TO LEARN

I’ve been stuck working from home for 6 weeks and forced to use my phone a lot more than before.

I can now say that I am returning all missed calls and answer the phone every time it rings, even if the number is unknown.

I still don’t initiate phone calls enough, and send emails when a phone call would be a better follow up, but I’m getting there. That’s the next thing to work on!

It’s a relief to know there are other people out there who have this problem.
I’m generally a pretty confident person, but there’s just something about making phone calls that irks me. That post that carrieOT08 wrote called Phonaphobia really rang true with me.
Most of the time people don’t even suspect my phonaphobia.
Thanks guys, together we will beat this awkward litte affliction ! :)

I had to make a difficult phone call today. I hesitated for about 10 minutes while I rehearsed in my head. I finally had to hit “send” even when I didn’t feel ready, but the conversation went fine and I’m sure the person on the other end has absolutely no idea that I struggle with this. I know that I come across as very professional, but I still struggle with this internally. I need to boost my confidence in myself. That’s what it really comes down to…

I had two phone interviews that went exceptionally well. It helps to be prepared. The things I was not prepared for went well, too, so no worries. Then yesterday I didn’t even hesitate to pick up the phone and make a third important call. This one was easier, but still—I was proud of myself for not hesitating.

I am petrified to make important cold calls to people I don’t know. I need to call two clients right now and I am PROCRASTINATING!! I also hate to answer the phone at work. I pretty much run the other way and do whatever I can to avoid it. What if they ask me something and I don’t know how to answer it so I get flustered? When I’m on an important call, I try to minimize all distraction and keep myself in an isolated space. I get really annoyed if someone interrupts me because I don’t know how to tactfully tell them “I’m on the phone!” when there is a person talking to me on the line. I have no problem calling friends and family, but it’s the important calls that get to me. Okay, step one in getting over this is to go do those two phone interviews. Wish me luck!

it was bound to happen sooner or later. i guess it’s like being thrown in the water and being forced to learn how to swim.

I just matured and got over my fear of talking to someone on the damn phone – a stupid fear of unwanted akwardness and silence. Now I have no problem calling professionals for information, family members, and whatnot; however there’s always still a moment of nervousness right before I dial, and I still have to take a pause and a deep breath, but I’m sure it will get even easier as I grow older and have more experience.

In the last couple of months, I’m basically forced myself to answer the phone when it rings (and I can hear it). I’ve also gotten much better at returning calls as soon as I listen to the voicemail. So, I’m knocking this one off the list.