Question 1

Why does talking on the phone feel more stressful than talking to someone in person?

Accepted Answer

Phone calls are uniquely stressful because we lose approximately 55% of communication signals, such as body language and facial expressions. Without these visual cues, the brain often fills in the blanks with negative assumptions, such as imagining the other person is annoyed or bored. This lack of feedback triggers a biological fight-or-flight response, which can cause your heart rate to spike and lead you to speak faster in an attempt to "escape" the conversation.

Question 2

How can I stop my voice from sounding shaky or nervous during a call?

Accepted Answer

The foundation of a steady, authoritative voice is diaphragmatic breathing, also known as "Power Breathing." By inhaling into your belly rather than your upper chest, you create a stable column of air that supports your vocal cords and prevents your voice from sounding thin or strained. Additionally, consciously slowing down your pace and over-enunciating consonants can send a signal back to your nervous system that you are in control, helping to de-escalate your physical anxiety.

Question 3

What is "uptalk," and why should I avoid it in professional conversations?

Accepted Answer

Uptalk is a vocal habit where your pitch rises at the end of a sentence, making a statement sound like a question. While people often use it to appear approachable, it frequently signals a lack of conviction or certainty. To project executive presence and authority, you should practice "downward inflection," which involves placing the word firmly "on the table" by lowering your pitch at the end of a sentence or greeting.

Question 4

What should I do if I am asked a question on a call and I don't know the answer?

Accepted Answer

Instead of panicking or rushing to provide a half-baked response, you should use a "Humble Acknowledgment." This involves professionally stating that it is a great question and that you will look into it to provide the most accurate information possible. This approach allows you to maintain the "driver's seat" in the conversation by providing a clear plan for the next step rather than simply admitting a lack of knowledge.

Question 5

How can I improve my articulation so I don't mumble when I'm stressed?

Accepted Answer

Mumbling is often caused by tension in the jaw and a "lazy tongue" during stressful moments. To combat this, you can perform a pre-call ritual that includes massaging the jaw hinges and practicing tongue twisters like "red leather, yellow leather" to wake up the muscles used for speech. During the call, focus on opening your mouth wider than feels natural; while this may feel like "overacting" to you, it translates to perfect clarity for the listener who lacks visual cues to help decode your words.

Speak confidently on the phone without the anxiety

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