The telephone is the most common business tool and its proper use is essential for career advancement.  

Are you telephone savvy?

When you make calls do you:
 

• State your message briefly and clearly?

• Leave your name, organization and phone number, repeating these twice, slowly and clearly?

• Give the full name of the person for whom you're leaving the message?

• State the date and time of the call?

• State whether you'll call back or you'd like the other person to call?

• Ask for a return call at a time you'll be available?

When you receive calls, do you:
 

• Identify yourself?

• Use courtesies such as "Please hold while I complete another call?"

• Offer to take messages when you're answering for someone?

• Repeat the caller's name and number to make sure they're correct?

• Speak in a professional manner?  

• Does your answering machine have a pleasant, professional and courteous message? Leave a good impression?

Scoring: Give yourself one point for each "yes." The higher your score, the more telephone skills you possess. A score of 9 or less suggests you could enhance your skills.