Question by : HELP with phone anxiety?!?
So, im probably going to end up getting a job at the university i go to calling people asking for donations for the school. There’s one problem though… I have pretty bad phone anxiety when talking to strangers, I thought that I was like the only one with this problem, but after some research i found there’s actually a bunch of people with the same problem as me, however, i would like an answer specific to my situation please :). Here’s how I am: I’m actually really social…. in person. AND I’m actually also social when I call people I know and even when I call random businesses asking about random info(like closing times etc), but here’s where the problem comes in, i HATE… with a deep fiery passion… inconveniencing/bugging people, i hate the idea of people being bugged by me. really… just thinking about possibly having this job in a few weeks and having to call up and bug people literally FILLS me with dread… my hearts racing just thinking about it. what can i say? i like when people like me, and despise people not liking me, this is embarrassing to admit, and I’ve actually never told anyone any of this before, hence me asking this anonymously on the internet haha I know what you’re thinking, “WHY are you getting a job as a telemarketer then??”. 1. i need a decent paying job fast to afford housing. 2. to overcome this EXTREMELY annoying fear. 3. I honestly think(with a little help from you guys) that I can do this, once i get past the stuttering/heaving in between words etc that will likely happen, i think i can be pretty likeable over the phone. Oh, one more thing I forgot to add, it’s not only inconveniencing strangers that gives me phone anxiety, its also when i need to make very important phone calls. my heart starts racing, and i get worried that I will not know what to say/stumble over my words, and this fear actually causes me to stumble over my words causing me to get more anxious and… you get the idea, more stumbling etc. so, ANYWAYS now that I’ve given you my life story(yeah.. sorry bout that, just wanted to give as much detail as possible), how bout some answers? Most helpful answers- tips to get over my fear, maybe something that worked for you? i dont want answers like “you should see a therapist.” or “get a different job.” OH, did i mention i have a PHONE INTERVIEW tomorrow?! dear lord, kill me now. they sent me an email, they said: “Your interview will only be 1 question, ‘Tell me about yourself…’ The first 7 seconds are the most important part of your answer. You can tell us whatever you would like, but we are looking for students who can lead a call and engage the other person.” so ya, any help would be amazing, thanks guys! 🙂 p.s. sorry again for the length of this question, and THANK YOU

Best answer:

Answer by Shub Niggurath
My best advice would be to rehearse what you’re going to say on the phone, and to take deep breaths around the time they told you the phone will ring, if you know, and a couple more before you pick up. Try to be calm and collected, and think positive: “I am going to succeed; I know what I’m going to say, and I’m going to say it without any trouble.” Just a bit of advice I’ve gleaned here and there, but I wish you luck 🙂

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