Hands down, this is one of my least favorite things to do in the world. Even though it's easier to detect someone's tone or inflection in their voice, as well as easier to get yours across versus email; there is still something so impersonal about "chatting" over the phone.
A big part of my job is to make and receive phone calls from clients to assist them. Now I'm not saying that I'm not good or awkward on the phone, rather, I think I have a very pleasant phone voice. But remember, I'm getting paid to do this, I really do like my job, what I do and helping others. Saying this, my co-workers can confirm there are times I've gotten off the phone and have complained about my conversation (ignoring my actual language or verbiage here).
When it comes to personal phone calls with friends, family or personal business; I would rather converse via email. Ordering pizza online was, in my opinion, the greatest idea EVER! I get nervous on the phone, lose confidence, and silence is a lot different in person than it is on the phone. If we are going to sit and not talk, then why are we on the phone? Instant messaging is another creation I am in love with. I have something to say, I say it and when I'm out of things to say, I walk away.
I too also hate speaking on the phone. I have a few exceptions with this in which I allow myself to do so.
ReplyDelete1. If I am speaking with a friend who I don't see often. In this case, most of the time they are out of state or more than 100 miles away. I would much rather speak with someone face to face and now thanks to webcams, that is fast replacing my need for my phone on what I call "Catch Up Calls." I love video chat, it is awesome!
2. If the phone call can be kept under 5 minuets, I don't mind it. Usually, in this case there is a specific reason for the phone call in which a question is asked and the conversation can be finished with no pointless chit chat in between.
3. Work call, which are unavoidable so I deal with it.
As a teenager, the need to talk on the phone was much greater than it is now as an adult. Granted, when we were teenagers, we really did not have the access to the internet on the scales that kids do now, so we really had less of a choice. However, even as a teenager, talking on the phone was never a strong suit. Maybe that is why I did not date very much. My telephone skills were not on par with what the ladies I was into required or something...I don't know. Anyways, now, I just really don't see the need. Will I give up my cell phone...Ha, not a chance. I may only use 100 of my 300 minuets a month on my phone but thanks to Gmail, facebook, twitter and text, I can stay in touch with basic, minimal communication and still have that dial tone around if for some reason, I actually want to speak with someone. It's nice to know that I am not alone in my love / hate relationship with the telephone.