The Agent's Tone Makes Me Want to Sell the Home

For me it's not the phone, it is my voice that is annoying, not intentionally.

Working on it!

I am the other agent in a small rural market. No one to bring up to speed when you list, market, sell (repeat). No layers, delays, anyone's knickers in a knot over "not liking the tone". You can not control how someone reacts, but being your best, professionial wins the day.

I try to smile, even if I'm a little agitated.  It's odd how this can come across over the phone. 

Sometimes you cannot connect with the other party, and there is nothing you can do about it.  You may remind them of someone they don't like. 

Well written, Maria. I don't think about my tone as much as I should and appreciate the reminder to do better - with a smile.  My other problem is maintaining the smile as the conversation continues... I've heard that standing helps create a more positive tone. Thanks
for sharing,
Bruce

The callers can have this same thing to be said about them.  They call and are often times annoyed sounding when they don't hear what they want to.  Good post and you're correct.

You know what they say about non verbal communication, I think tone of voice would qualify.

Maria, you bring up great points.  I don't think as agents we are completely aware of how we sound or come across to others...something to be mindful of!  This has also reminded me of another way we communicate that can often be misunderstood...inspiration for a follow up blog post which I will credit you.

Maria, another post with wonderful food for thought.

Maria,  All very true.  It's always nice to hear a cheerful voice on the other end of the line.  Who wants to hear grumpy?

I stand up when making or receiving a call.  It's a nice break from sitting at the computer and my voice conveys more energy and passion.  I also try to put a smile in my tone.

Very interesting. I tried a couple of tone and eveone like them. I guest it important to do this asap.  Please advise.

Maria, I routinely check my voicemail message to make sure it is the message and impression I want to leave.

This is a good reminder for all of us. Some agents tend to talk too fast and fail to repeat phone numbers in messages.  

When dealing with seniors, it is time to speak up and be very well understood. 

Maria: all very true and in most cases today particularly, a telephone call is the first contact agents have with prospects. If the 'chemistry' is not there between the parties, then the agent may never get a second chance.

Very well said, or stated in this case!  The phone is the primary form of communication, in some cases it may be quite sometime before your actually meet the clients physically.  You have to make sure you are approachable and pleasnat or they may not wish to continue to deal with you.  I know of agents who are very abrupt and abbrasive, it can work against them.  I am sure we are not all aware of how we sound on the other end, maybe we need to leave our selves messages and take stock :)  

Good information. My husband told me  that I sounded stressed out when I was on the phone. He recorded me without me knowing  one day.  He was spot on - not that I would let him in on that little secret!  Now, when I answer the phone, I smile and remind myself to slow down and pronunciate.  I had to make this change to make my first impression the best it could be.

Very good point Maria.  I know you should always have a smile on when you are talking to present that pleasant voice but some days it is very hard.  :-

Maria, great post! I followed Nick's post to you and it's interesting to see how important tone is once you move past technology and are purely dealing with phone calls and in-person meetings.

If anything, maybe we should preface our conversations (if we're in an inconvenient place) with the reason why we may be speaking the way we do. The more self aware we are, in any given situation though, the better. 

Maria

Our tone makes all the difference when we're speaking to someone.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig