DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TELEPHONE SKILLS

Developing effective telephone skills can be difficult. The telephone is the most familiar piece of technology in the workplace and it's use is often taken for granted in the way we speak to our customers, the way relationships are forged or broken and the way information is relayed. The ability to communicate in a prompt, friendly and professional manner is essential to creating the right impression and getting your message across.

This developing effective telephone skills training course will enable delegates to develop, or refresh, the techniques and skills required to make and take calls effectively. They will learn and practice methods for giving and receiving information logically and clearly, building rapport and dealing with difficult callers. Role-play will be used with real life examples to ensure the course is relevant and applicable.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Create the right impression of yourself and your company and present an image of total customer care.
Communicate confidently and handle customer calls with courtesy, enthusiasm and friendly efficiency.
Handle calls in a structured way, project professionalism in words and voice and speak with clarity.
Manage difficult and aggressive customers and resolve problems successfully.
Ask the right questions, listen and deal with enquiries, messages and complaints effectively.
Close calls by summarising outcomes and agreed actions with the caller and by recording details.

COURSE DESIGNED FOR

All staff who need to communicate in a confident, efficient and friendly manner on the telephone. It is ideal for those who have frequent contact with customers and is suited to those on switchboard or reception, in customer service, call centres and help desks, and those in a team secretary role.

COURSE DURATION

One Day

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DELEGATES

Eight

IN HOUSE DELIVERY OPTION AVAILABLE

Yes

COURSE CONTENT

Creating a Professional Image Over the Telephone ~

Understanding how customers form their impressions
First and lasting impressions - getting it right!
Handling the key stages of the call - achieving seamless service
Sounding professional and confident
What not to say - avoiding the image-wreckers

Improving Your Telephone Communication Skills ~

Developing your telephone voice
Techniques to aid clear speaking - articulation, assimilation, rate, pace, inflection
Examining the difference between hearing and listening
Supportive techniques to enhance listening skills - showing empathy and clarifying understanding
Examining techniques - being Courteous, Clear, Colourful, Concise, Consistent, Correct and Communicative

Controlling the Telephone Process Confidently ~

Making and taking calls - the do's and don'ts
Being prepared and beginning the call
How to sound confident and helpful - building rapport
Dealing with enquiries - getting the facts and controlling the call
Ending the call

Handling Problems, Upset Callers and Difficult Customers ~

Developing flexibility - handling every call effectively
Handling complaints and demanding customers - maintaining a positive approach
Resolving problems - identifying a process

Dealing with Phone-rage - Handling Anxiety ~

Identifying causes - building your confidence on the telephone
Developing techniques to overcome anxiety

Personal Development - Putting it all Together ~

Integrating attitudes and behaviours for effective techniques
Refining your telephone manner - developing a welcoming style
Formulating a personal action plan