Does body language matter when you’re talking on the phone?

Yes! Body language has a great impact on the way we come across, even if there are miles between you and your conversation partner. The way you compose yourself during important in-person conversations determines your confidence level, your energy, and how well your intentions come across to your counterpart. There are several specific "Do’s" and "Don’ts" when it comes to selling over the phone: pay attention to your posture-with your back straight and chin up, you will omit more confidence in yourself, and in your conversation. Speak slowly and pause at the appropriate time-you will come across as calm and intelligent, and as a person to be trusted. Avoid nervous laughter while selling anything over the phone-it will make you seem panicked and unstable. It’s also important to find a point of focus and maintain eye contact. Despite how silly this may sound, the focus will come through in your conversation and you will be less likely to lose track of important information. Without the obvious advantages of in-person communication, you have to work much harder at achieving your goals. Therefore, it’s very important to consider each and every detail of your words, focus and body language when communication is limited to the telephone.

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