If you are calling someone to whom you are largely or even partially a stranger, particularly at work, be sure and introduce yourself right off the bat. E.g.,
“Hi, this is Graham Ericsson from the Trenton office.”
“Hi, my name is Susie Creamcheese, from MTM, Inc.”
“Hello, I’m Richard Zeeman. I’m a friend of Anita’s.”
Do not just say, “Hi, Dave, how’s it going?” right off the bat, without any introduction. You will either cause Dave to think that he should know you, in which case he will be a bit defensive and non-committal, or else you will make Dave think that you are a soul-sucking salesperson, in which case he will be a bit offensive and very non-committal.
Indeed, unless you are really good friends with the other person, and talk with them on a regular basis on the phone, it’s still probably a good idea to let them know who you are. “Hey, Maureen, this is Ted.” For all you know, you sound just like Maureen’s husband, or co-worker, or son. Hell, for all you know, Maureen may just not be good with voices over the phone and it may take her a few moments to figure out who you are even if you were whispering sweet nothings in her ear last night.
Politeness. It’s not just a small town in Minnesota.
“Hello, I’m Richard Zeeman. I’m a friend of Anita’s.”
Do I detect an Anita Blake fan?
Heh. Just started Narcissus in Chains. Nice spot. (Can anyone else spot another literary ref?)
“Hey, Maureen, this is Ted.” For all you know, you sound just like Maureen’s husband, or co-worker, or son. Hell, for all you know, Maureen may just not be good with voices over the phone and it may take her a few moments to figure out who you are even if you were whispering sweet nothings in her ear last night.
LOL…Ted=Edward~MJ Nice site BTW!!
Actually, you got the right text, but it’s not an Edward (& Anita) reference. Next?