Have you ever called someone who seemed rushed or rude? Have you ever felt like you interrupted someone, even if they were expecting your call?
There is no possible way to know what the person on the other end of the phone is doing when we call. If someone is rude, it can make us feel bad, rushed or uncomfortable.
When I make a phone call, whether they are expecting it or not, I always start it this way:
Person 1: Hello?
Michelle: Hello Person 1. I’m Michelle DeBerge, how are you doing today?
Person 1 : Hello Michelle, pretty good and you?
Michelle: Great. I know we said we would get in touch
this week. Is this a good time to talk?
As people try to multi task and add in a phone call they can become overwhelmed and don’t realize they’re being short or rude. When you’re getting this response, chances are they aren’t capable of really listening to what you have to say.   Don’t take it personally or hold it against them. It’s much better to chalk it up to bad timing, move on with your day and just reschedule the call.
Is this a good time to talk? That one question allows them to decide if they can or want to have a conversation in that moment. We all know sometimes life gets in our way and unexpected things come up. If they don’t want to talk or are busy and choose to tell you so, thank them and ask when a good time is to call back.
Stop those hostile or uncomfortable conversations by asking that one simple question. Is this is a good time to talk? Set up the perimeters of the conversation so that the best communication can occur.   Empower yourself with this tool and stop feeling uncomfortable.
This also works in person!