Identify and discuss five tips that can help you use the phone confidently and professionally.

When you're using the phone at work,you have to rely on your attitude and tone of voice to convey confidence and professionalism.Here are some tips that can help: Be conscious of how your voice sounds.Avoid monotone; vary your pitch and inflections.Slow down when talking with people whose native language isn't the same as yours.Be courteous when you call someone.Identify yourself and your organization,briefly explain why you're calling,verify that you've called at a good time,and minimize the noise level in your environment.Convey a positive,professional attitude when you answer the phone.Answer promptly (with a smile),and identify yourself and your company.Determine the caller's needs by asking,"How may I help you?" If you can't answer the caller's questions,forward the call to a colleague who can or tell the caller how to get his or her questions resolved.If you plan to forward a call,put the caller on hold and verify that the colleague is available.Close in a positive manner and double-check all vital information.Use your own voicemail features to help callers.Record a brief,professional-sounding outgoing message for regular use.When you'll be away from the phone for an extended period,record a temporary greeting that tells callers when you'll respond to messages.If you don't check your messages regularly or at all,disable your voicemail.Be considerate when leaving voicemail messages.Unless voicemail is the best or only choice,consider leaving a message through other means,such as text messaging or email.If you leave a voicemail,keep it brief: your name,number,reason for calling,and times you can be reached.