why do I get petrified when I have to talk to strangers on the phone? How do I cope?

I deal with this each time I'm on the phone with strangers as well. The telephone company, telemarketers etc etc. I make sure that I remember - they do not know who I am, therefore they cannot judge me. They know nothing about me, and I know nothing about them. Once this call is over, I'll likely never have to speak with them again. I've asked myself why I feel this way and that has helped me. I realized that it's an extension of my social anxiety. I'm generally just really scared of people, I'm scared of being around them and I'm scared of what they think of me. This has extended to when I talk to strangers over the phone, but I just have to remind myself that once this call is over, I'll never have to speak to the stranger again.

1. This usually occurs when you are trying to avoid someone, scared it might be the person or ask the person calling you to check. 2. Another thing that might cause it, if you are a stammer scared of stammering during the conversation.

simple social anxiety, though not face-to-face. remember, they cannot see you through the phone! :o)

You feel that way because you worry about what they're gonna think about you. When you talk to someone on the phone you're aware that all they can "judge" you for is your voice and the way you talk. But when you talk to someone in real life you're not that conscious about little stuff because there's more things to think about. Just try to breathe and keep in mind that the person you're talking to isn't more than human and they might be feeling the same thing.

It's that you don't actually feel a connection or at ease with them. When talking with friends or family, however, is easier because they know you and may appreciate you. With strangers on the phone, it's just that you are talking to them for the first them and probably questions ponder around your mind wondering how they will reflect you. The best alternative, I suggest, is to take a deep breath and be natural. Be at your optimum performance, or do your best. Just make small talk. Regards, Affable

I always have this problem. If I know what I am going to say to the person on the other end of the phone I will write it down first. I will then rehearse it in my head, and keep the paper in front of me during the call. I think taking a few deep breaths and being prepared is the best way of coping with this particular problem.

i am sometime paranoid for no reason i think the worst i get filled with anxiety and self though fears may even start to sweat now when i feel this way i take a very deep breath and clear my thought s then i imange that the person i am talking to is a friend i dont consider them a friend because i dont know them but it does help

It comes with anxiety. I feel the same too. What I do is take a deep breath then count fast to 3 before answering the call.

Usually social anxiety is what causes fear in talking to other strangers on the phone. There are a few different ways that you may be able to cope with social anxiety. I used to have really bad social anxiety so I will share the coping methods that I used. One of the most important ways I coped was being upfront with people about my social anxiety when I felt that I was being awkward. This usually made the person feel more at ease. Also practicing communication helped me. It helped me become more assertive and comfortable talking to people. Of course, at first I felt awkward but each time I felt better and more at ease.

Try and think out a few phrases before you begin the conversation, or practice talking into the phone, it's silly yet effective!

This sounds to me like Social Anxiety. It sounds awful but one of the best ways to cope is actually to face it. It's scary but start with people whom you're comfortable with and know your situation. Move on from them to people who you actually need to speak with on the phone. It's a difficult process but it's worth it :)

My little sister feels the same way, i think you should talk to a professional about it! You never know how much it will help

Talking to strangers may be stressful, but I understand why talking to strangers is even worse. You cannot see the reactions and it is harder to understand what they truly mean. Quickly planning what you wish to talk to the person about might help you.

Just react as if you're talking to a friend. Most of the times, this happens because you're afraid of being judged by the person on the other side. By reacting as a friend, you let got of that fear and enhance confidence.

I used to be like this until it was a part of my job every day. I think I was always nervous because I was scared I wouldn't sound like I knew what I was talking about and people would think I was ridiculous especially when I was growing up and calling businesses. Now I have this dedicated "phone voice" and kind of a different personality with people over the phone... so I guess just doing it a ton kind of beat the insecurity out of me!

At an early age we were all advised not to talk to strangers , as we don't have the ability yet to know the difference between good and bad people. as we get older we have to learn to deal with strangers. They could say something that reveals just how wrong we are about a truth we hold dear. Or might force us to look at a situation differently than we’re used to. So you must believe in your self and the ability to run a conversation. All you need to trust yourself. " If you think you aren’t qualified to make a good choice then you’re going to be afraid to make any choice."

i know exactly how you feel dear. just imagine that these people arent strangers at all imagine that they are your best friends, your parents or your loved one. imagine that person youre talking to is sitting front of you and is amazed how beautiful, talkactive and smart you are

Reasons may vary from person to person. For me I'm worried about embarrassing myself so it helps if I go into a room alone and write out what I need to say. Just try to breathe and speak slowely so they can understand you. If they can understand you the conversation will go by faster and you can get off the phone sooner.

You are probably scared to talk to them and say something embarrasing, or scared that they will not like you or what you are saying. You can start coping with this by trying to talk to people on the phone more. Write down exactly what you feel when you get a phone call. Seeing it on a paper may or may not help.

From my experience, I have learned that it is helpful, at least for me, to rehearse what I am going to say in my head first, so that I am prepared.