What are the most important parts of phone etiquette?

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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Practice Cell Phone Etiquette .

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Jules Hirst
Etiquette Coach

07/18/25 6:15pm

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Christine Ferrera
Etiquette Coach

07/14/25 8:54pm

My top essentials for phone etiquette, worth using time and time again:

At Polished Message Etiquette (PME) sessions, I Christine, often say:
Your voice is your presence, especially when there is no handshake or eye contact to support it.

Your phone etiquette may seem simple, yet it often determines whether someone feels seen, heard, or dismissed. Whether answering a call in a professional or personal setting or returning a message. These thoughtful cues that make all the difference.

From a PME perspective, here are a few essentials I return to again and again:
1. Answer with awareness. A rush or distracted "Hello?" can send the wrong signal. Take a breath. A simple visual is counting 1-5 silently, significantly pausing. Breathe, smile (yes, it can be heard), then pick up with presence.

2. Tone is posture made audible: What we say matters: however, how we say it often matters more. Choose a tone that reflects poise not pressure. Avoid speaking too loudly or too softly, articulate and enunciate your words with intention. Clear and concise. (You want your listener to understand, correct?)

3. Greet with clarity: A "Good morning, this is Christine" instantly sets a professional tone. Avoid abrupt phrases as "Yeah? or "Who is this?"
4. Know your space: Be thoughtful of your surroundings.Avoid answering when distracted, driving, or in a noisy environment. If you must answer acknowledge the limitation and offer to call back.

5. Close with style: Avoid rushing to end the call. One of the best ways is "Thank you for calling" or "I look forward to following up." This leaves a lasting impression.

Phone etiquette is more than being perfect. It sounds as if you genuinely desire to be in the conversation. You are creating a space for respectful, meaningful words the resonates with the listener. Presence, even over the phone, can be felt... A beautiful gift of conversation.

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Jamila Musayeva
International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator

04/21/25 10:25pm

Here are my top tips for phone etiquette:

Always put a smile on your face before you answer a call because one can hear in your voice if you're smiling or not.
Phone calls are for important conversations, and to be reserved for very important matters.
Before making a phone call, especially if you're doing it for someone you haven't talked to before, text before calling. You want to schedule a call.

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wikiHow Editorial Team

04/21/25 10:12pm

Follow these basic rules of phone etiquette:

Identify yourself when answering the phone (ex: "Thanks for calling Telestar, this is Sheila speaking. How may I help you?")
Be polite and professional.
Speak clearly and directly into the headset.
Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum while on the phone.
Have a message pad and a pen nearby in case you need to take notes or record a message for someone.
Ask the caller if you can place them on hold if you need to speak to someone else or attend to a different matter.
Say "Thank you for calling" and "Goodbye" before ending a call.

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