What's the right way to end a business phone call?

Question

At work, I am absolutely terrible at ending a phone call. I either cut the person off too quickly with a 'bye' and hang the phone up, or there is an awkward silence as I'm waiting for them to begin the call-ending, and vice-versa.
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If ending a phone call is like a dance, I think I am inclined to step on the feet of the other caller.

Answer 1

The easiest way to wrap up a phone call is to restate what they called to tell you, thank them for the information, then make it clear that you are winding up the conversation.

For example, if someone called you to give you some statistics that you need for a report, you can begin the intricate call-ending dance by saying, "Well, great, I really appreciate you getting these numbers to me. Now I can get started on those reports." You have acknowledged their giving of the data, you have thanked them, and you have also told them your intention to wrap up the conversation. Usually, their answer will be something along the lines of, "Sure, glad to help you out. Have a good day, and I will talk to you again next week." That's it; you then just say good bye.

It works the same way with anything. If they called to give you a message for your boss, you briefly restate their message, even it it's just that she should return their call, you tell them thank you, and you say you are going to go put it in her inbox right away.

By stating what action you are going to take next, be it passing information on to someone else, getting to work on their request, or using the information they have just given you, you are signalling to them that you are ready to wrap it all up. If they have any other information to give you, they will generally jump in at this point with, "By the way, I also needed to let you know..." and communicate anything else they need to communicate. Simply take that information, and rinse and repeat the process.

By acknowledging what they said, they can rest assured that you understood them correctly, by thanking them you are simply being professional, and by stating what you are going to now do, you are drawing the conversation to an end.

It works the same if you are on the other end of the conversation. Give them the information, thank them for taking it down or for taking the time to talk with you, then tell them your intention to get back to work. With any luck, they will respond by restating your information, thanking you in return, and not starting a conversation about the great restaurant they went to last night, or the crappy manicure they spent too much money on and which is already chipping.

Business communication is like a dance in that each person plays a special part, and one person leads while the other needs to be savvy enough to follow. It's a learned skill, not one we are born with :) And for goodness' sake, if the other person is clearly not leading, step up and lead it yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Just like in business writing, a business phone call should indicate future action.

In other words, you should finish by saying what you or the other person is to do next. If there is nothing left to do, a simple "We look forward to working with you again" or "Thank you for your time" should work fine.

It is also nice to follow it up with a thank you and/or a goodbye.

Other Examples:

I'll let you know as soon as those papers arrive.

Let us know if you have any problems with the product.

Its been a pleasure working with you, please give us a call if there is anything else you need.

I'll call you with a final estimate next week.

We'll put the notice in the file when it arrives. Let us know if you need it back at anytime.

Its been a pleasure talking with you.

We'll keep you in mind the next time we need service.

Answer 3

Try summing up the main point or points of the call at the end, as in: Ok, well then I'll wait to get that report from you tomorrow..." or whatever and then just say, Thanks so much for your help with this... and then usually Ok, and Bye follows naturally. Write out a few phrases that sound natural to you and practice. if you can find a friend who is willing to role play a little. You'll get more comfortable and less abrupt with practice.

Answer 4

Good-bye.

Answer 5

you're doing ok...yet next time let him recognize once you've time to communicate longer or invite him over! :)) That way it gained't sound like you're attempting to get rid of him after a pair minutes. i could imagine he could desire for an prolonged communique.... you could tell him you're literally not a huge talker on the phone..yet could like to work out him quickly! let him take it from there!

Answer 6

depends what the nature of the call is.
here's some ideas though.
thank you.
positive comment about what the person just told u.
summarize what u will do/what the person should expect from u (like i'll check on ___ and call u back).
if there's a silence...maybe the other person was expecting more from u or didn't understand u. ask them if there's anything else or if u explained it adequately.

Answer 7

Tell them when they find the solution to the question/problem that you gave them, then "get back to me"

Answer 8

Just say, "Good-bye, is there anything else we need to discuss?". If not, say, "Good-bye. Give my best to your family." and, "If you want, contact me at your convenience."

Answer 9

GOOD BYE, HAVE A NICE DAY, IVE GOT 2 CALLS COMING IN...TRY THAT...OR I GOT TO 'P'????????????

Answer 10

Good day always did it for me.