I tend to use the words "ummm" and " I'm sorry" way to much while at work. I would like to cut those COMPLETELY out of my daily vocabulary and save "I'm sorry" for when it really counts. "UMMMMM" just is so annoying and I know I dont sound professional when I use it. SO CAN ANY ONE PLEASE GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK OR PERHAPS A FRESH NEW WORD OR TWO THAT I MAY USE TO PERK UP MY PHONE ETIQUETTE?
2006-09-26 06:41:37 · 21 answers · asked by pdxamber 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Usually when the term ummmm is used you are trying to stall for time. Maybe the person on the other end wants information that you dont have, is looking for someone else in the office. I would recommed that you use "One moment please while I ........." So if the person on the other end wants to know if Mr Smith is in instead of saying: "ummmm lemme check" you could/should say "One moment please while I check, thank you for your patience". If they ask an question that you dont have the answer to insted of having "ummmm" as you try and remember/ think of the answer say "One moment please while I look that up for you, thank you for your patience"
As far as Im sorry, only use it when you had direct control over the situation. Never aplogize for something that you didnt do.
2006-09-26 06:53:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might sound awkward at first, but try replacing either one of those - especially ummm - with the word look. I have heard many articulate, memorable interviews and speeches in which a difficult topic is pulled into focus by that word. It grabs the attention of the listener and helps you to concentrate on what you are saying. It makes the speaker authoritarian, but not in an overbearing way. Try it!
2006-09-26 13:49:22 · answer #2 · answered by brooklyncpl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might substitute "well" for "ummm"...This indicates that you have heard what was said, and want to reply, but can give you that little mental gap that you need to put your thoughts together.
You might also use the phrase "I apologize" instead of "I'm sorry", again, to indicate that you want to fix whatever problem may have come up. I think this also indicates to the person you're speaking with that you wish that unfortunate thing hadn't happened to them, and that you'll be looking out for their best interests next time.
I also like "Let me find a way to make that happen", because the phrase "You have to be freaking joking" comes up to the tip of my tongue all too often!
2006-09-26 13:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually using I am sorry frequently on the phone is not poor etiquette. "I am sorry, she is out of her office." "I am sorry, he cannot come to the phone now," etc. This is very good phone manners. If you want to stop it though, then try, "unfortunately, he is on another call right now."
As far as ummm: that is a hard habit for all of us to break. Try "certainly," instead. If someone asks, for example, if there is someone they can speak to about advertising, then say, "certainly." Then you can go on to say you need to determine exactly who the best person would be to handle that call.
You can do it. It just takes a little practice.
2006-09-26 13:51:20 · answer #4 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use this word instead of UMMMM as I was doing the same. Try "That's interesting"? It can mean a multitude of things.
Instead of sorry all the time, say "i understand "or thank you, as the times that i found myself saying sorry i actually meant thanks!
It is horrible when we get stuck with words and it maybe your nerves that make you say sorry so often. Practice and it will start to come more naturally but don't beat yourself up about it when you say it as you will be more conscience of it than you already are.
Good luck and with the career!
2006-09-26 13:52:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
here in my language there are some words that aren't meant to be said together, translated is like saying "climbing up up", anyway I had some of these words in my vocabulary and I really tried to correct myself not to say it, by paying a good attention when you talk. You must learn to get used to it of not saying "ummm". It will be hard but by the time you will notice that you aren't using it again.
2006-09-26 13:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by Soso 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always say, "Give me a minute while I look this up/check with my boss". Never panic. Even if you don't really need to check with someone, use the time to think carefully about what you need to say
Speak slowly and clearly; again, it buys you time to think, and it's easier to avoid babbling from panic or nervousness. You can also repeat the sentence back to them as well, "Just to clarify, the problem is this and this. Ok, could you help me check if the plug is firmly connected?"
2006-09-26 13:59:44 · answer #7 · answered by baka_neko 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We just had a conference put on by Rockhurst Univ Continuing Education Center on this last week. Instead of saying I'm sorry...say I apologize. This will help you to say it only when you really are sorry and not for every little thing.
2006-09-26 13:50:12 · answer #8 · answered by dolphin2253 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're like me and are using ummm for a filler while looking something up, then try "wait just a minute while I look that up" or if it's more of a casual conversation then say "give me just a second..."
2006-09-26 13:47:45 · answer #9 · answered by Lanie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
instead of ummmm try hold please
instead of Im sorry try excuse me.
I know what you mean. I was just thinking about how many times I say ummm while thinking of whatall I have to say on someones answer machine...lol
2006-09-26 13:52:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋