The Power of the Telephone

Picking up the phone

In today’s world, we use a variety of outlets to communicate with others and voice our opinion. From emailing, texting, tweeting, posting, pinning, sharing and liking, the ability to communicate is near limitless. The one thing most people have moved away from is using the telephone. You can click to read more about phone systems. Dial tone, number pad and ringing – it’s something that is becoming foreign to us. When it comes to us in public relations – the land of communications – I hate to admit it, but we are not much better. With all of the new social media and texting tools at our fingertips, it’s easy to understand WHY we’ve embraced these tools. They’re quick, easy and often get the job done. With that said, we have come to rely on these tools and have nearly abandoned the telephone. It is from that I think we could use a friendly reminder the importance of taking the upper hand and picking up the phone more often.

Taking the upper hand

I’m sure most people can relate to me. How often have you been confused or misunderstood by an email? Or, how many times have you waited for a text message or email response? I know I’ve had my fair share, which can result in a lot of wasted time and energy. I think it is a good reminder to everyone in communications that we need to exercise our expertise more frequently by picking up the phone. Whether it be to get clarity, help answer a question or to pester a non-responsive reporter, picking up the phone can only give us the upper hand.

Those of us in the communication industry who pick up the phone more often have the edge to get the answers they need and garner the results they want for their clients. Social media cannot replace phone calls. Emailing cannot replace a one-on-one conversation. An interview done by email does not live up to the standards to one done in-person or on the phone. A press release does not replace verbal communication with spokespeople. It’s plain and simple folks – picking up the phone will help you get the information you need without much of the guesswork social media can bring. Next time you have a question for a client or need to reach a reporter, pick up the phone and give them a call!