How to Win Any Argument, Revised Edition

13Win the War of Words on the Telephone

Because it’s becoming harder to travel across town

In this chapter, you’ll discover how to get a call through to the person you want to speak to. But you’ll also discover that you may not want to make that call. And if a call is made or received, you’ll discover the plays to put you at the top of your telephone game.

“I’d like to speak with Jim Smith.”

“Let me see if he’s here. I’ll be just a minute.”

(I am wondering, How can Smith’s assistant not know whether he’s there, unless there’s a secret passage between his office and the parking garage?)

“I’m sorry, but Mr. Smith isn’t here.”

“Please have him call me when he returns.”

“I would prefer you leave a voice-mail message.”