The Dreaded Phone Interview

The telephone. That piece of technology, while useful and convenient, is the bane of my existence. Due to my extraordinary fact checking skills, I am on the phone most of the day, calling to verify information, have things sent to us, or getting permission to use their own facts. But due to my not-so-extraordinary phone manners, I usually end up having a conversation like this:

Me: Hello, this is Edit Intern from a really awesome magazine.
(I do have that part down…)

Me: I have…um a uh… question for your fact checking, I mean public relations, I mean media relations… Do you know what I mean?

Operator: I’ll connect you to the PR department. One moment.

Me: Ok, thanks.
(sigh of relief)

PR Department: Hello, this is PR.

Me: I have…um a uh… question for your fact checking, I mean public relations, I mean media relations… Do you know what I mean?

You get the idea. The first week, it was even worse. But I figured after a few months, I’d get the hang of it! Not happening. I’ve tried everything! Pretend I’m just calling a good friend, channel the great reporters that came long before me and use their power to gain confidence, writing down exactly what I’m supposed to say. None of it works!

I love my internship, but this fear of the phone. It’s gotta go. I have no problem talking face to face with a co-worker, or even a high-up editor. Does any one have any useful tips so I can overcome my irrational phone anxiety?

XOXO,
Edit Intern