In the not-so-distant past, when screens were not as dominant in our everyday lives as now, little was thought of picking up the phone and making or taking a call. That's not to say that telephone anxiety did not exist, but because of how commonplace making/taking calls was, people tended not to get overly hung up on it (pardon the pun). Now, telephone anxiety is a fairly common issue, especially in our digital age, where texts and emails have become the norm. For many, the thought of making or receiving a phone call can trigger feelings of dread, nervousness, or even panic. This is not restricted to the young, either. But why is it important to address this anxiety?
Why enforce an extra limitation on what you can do? Avoiding phone calls will impact your personal and professional opportunities. Whether it's arranging an appointment, handling work-related tasks, or staying connected with friends and family, being comfortable using the phone is pretty essential. Overcoming anxieties around this, however, can do more than just open doors. It can boost your confidence, improve your social skills, and reduce overall stress, making it worthwhile.
But how can you tackle telephone anxiety? Start by practising with low-pressure calls, such as ordering food or booking a table. Gradually increase the complexity of the calls as your comfort grows. Deep breathing before and during the call can also help calm your nerves. Additionally, preparing a brief outline of what you want to say can give you a sense of control and reduce the fear of awkward silences.
Remember, the more you face this fear, the easier it becomes. Like any skill, it gets better with practice. So, take a deep breath, pick up the phone, and dial. You can pick up and put it down whenever you want because you have a handle on it, not the other way around. And remember, addressing telephone anxiety is not just about making calls; it's about unlocking a world of opportunities and personal growth.
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