Is this phone etiquette disappearing over the years? Here's what Aussies think!

As technology advances, the way people communicate with one another also changes.

Do you remember the days when picking up the phone was second nature, and an introduction was simply good manners?

The art of the phone call is up for debate again.


Sydney-based content creator Bronte Rose recently shared a video about one of her habits.

In the video, she revealed her habit of introducing herself by name when calling a business.

Whether it was a restaurant, a shop, or even a store, Rose would introduce herself.


pexels-woman in a phone call.jpg
Making phone calls have become a rarity with the rise of instant messaging and chat applications. Image Credit: Pexels/Moe Magners


'Hi, my name is Bronte. I'm just wondering if you have a table for two tonight?' she shared, as it came naturally to her.

Her friends, however, were baffled by her phone etiquette.

'Like, it's nice, you're very polite, but I think no one else does it,' one replied after Rose shared her story.

This video then started a lively debate across the internet.


Is it old-fashioned or just good manners?

Bronte admitted that introducing herself over the phone was 'second nature' and something she believed was good manners.

Some commenters praised her for her politeness and communication skills.

'I love when people say their names at the start!' a commenter, claiming to be a call centre worker, exclaimed.

'It's just polite to let the other person know who they're talking to.'

Others, however, were less convinced by Bronte's actions.

'Wait, I have never done this,' one admitted.

'I constantly make fun of people for saying their name,' a seasoned receptionist joked.

'Like, why do I care? Just tell me what you need.'

In today's fast-paced world, are introductions still necessary?


Modern etiquette coach Kate Heussler weighed in on the debacle.

'Introducing yourself at the start of any call is a must, especially if it's someone you haven't spoken to before or if the number is unfamiliar,' Ms Heussler shared.

'It's like knocking on someone's door before you walk in—simple, considerate, and it sets the tone.'

Ms Heussler added that even with friends and family, a quick introduction could add a touch of respect and clarity, especially when calling from a new number or at an odd hour.

Ms Heussler suggested keeping introductions' clear, confident and warm'.

Here's a format Ms Heussler shared:

'Hi, it's (your name). I'm just calling to chat about (topic of discussion). Is now a good time?'

This introduction could show some respect for the other person's time.

Ms Heussler also pointed out a few other phone call mistakes to avoid:
  • Skipping the check-in: Always ask if it's a good time to talk, especially if your call is unexpected.
  • Talking too fast or loud: Slow down a touch; it makes you sound more confident and easier to understand.
  • Not being prepared: Jot down your key points before you call. It'll help you stay on track and avoid awkward silences.
Some may think, 'Does it really matter how I start a phone call?'

These small gestures of courtesy could make a big difference.

Whether you're booking a table, making an inquiry, or catching up with a friend, a polite introduction sets a positive tone that could brighten someone's day.
Key Takeaways

  • Content creator Bronte Rose sparked an online debate after sharing how she starts phone calls with businesses.
  • Several social media users praised Rose for her polite approach, while others said that introductions were unnecessary.
  • An etiquette expert shared that introducing oneself at the start of a call was good manners and likened it to knocking before entering a room.
  • Additional phone etiquette tips included checking the other person on the line and speaking clearly throughout the call.
Do you always introduce yourself when making a phone call, or do you get straight to the point? What do you think of Bronte Rose's habit and the change in phone manners over the years? Share your opinions and stories about this matter in the comments section below!
 

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2 sec rule: the person has an Indian accent… gone, doesn’t introduce themself…gone, recorded message… gone
Also: ‘no caller id’ and the silent calls.
A government dept phoned with no caller id just after a silent no caller id so I answered in schoolboy French :
‘Bonjour, il est Gianni, comment talez-vous’ ‘oui?’…no answer
A couple of days later I got a government letter asking if I needed an interpreter.
 
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I always identify myself - I believe that in doing this it sets the standard being polite and confident goes along way - it gives a sense immediate respect and sets the tone of what is to come. For calls I'm not interested in (usually marketing calls), I say that I am not interested and have a nice day and then hang up.
 
makes sense to me to say who you are. Most people are not mind readers. What really makes me angry is the way especially young people speak so fast. They just babble. I tried to understand a message on my landline phone last week. After 4 replays I hung up for the weekend. Monday came and it turned out to be a lass from the doctor's surgery. She rattled on so fast I couldn't even understand the phone number she gave. When I finally connected I asked the lass what the hurry was. She told me "that's the way things are these days". I informed her that our town has a great many older people who can't understand the babble and asked her to remember how many of us were deaf and you can't get text messages on a landline. Fortunately this young lady promised to speak to the staff and tell them of the need to SLOW DOWN AND SPEAK CLEARLY.
 
I do introduce my self in phone calls. until I read this I didn’t even realise I was doing it, it’s just second nature. Mind you these days I’m finding I don’t actually make as many calls as I used to. I find it hard to hear sometimes on the phone. I use on line booking sites to book medical and restaurant appointments where ever I can.
 
If I am calling & requesting something , all be it a reservation, an enquiry, an appointment, I always say my name. If a caller rings and gives their name, they generally already know my name, but I always ask how they are and a thankyou at the end of a call.. Maybe old fashioned, but politeness is everything in my book.
 
I do and always have introduced myself on the phone. I've never really thought about it, it just comes naturally.
The receptionist who commented she didn't care who they were just what they wanted, would never have got a job working for me in my office. She should consider another profession where good manners are not required. Though I'm not quite sure what that profession would be.
 
If I am calling & requesting something , all be it a reservation, an enquiry, an appointment, I always say my name. If a caller rings and gives their name, they generally already know my name, but I always ask how they are and a thankyou at the end of a call.. Maybe old fashioned, but politeness is everything in my book.
Asking someone how they are is nice but I when I worked at an Emergency dept with a 5 line phone that would ring continually and having someone asking how I was not only held me up for answering other people but very annoying as all I wanted to do is my job to get to the other calls and not get into a conversation. If calling any business there is a good chance they need you to say your name and state your business.
 
Good manners seem to be a thing of the past with many of the newer generation, which is a disappointing thing to say the very least...stating your name and the reason that you are calling at the start is quite often the obvious way to go in many cases...remaining polite and patient is considered the correct approach....our kids lack a lot of good manners in their daily activities and not just on the telephone .
 
When I make a phone call I always introduce myself it’s only polite to do so .When someone rings me I used to answer giving my name but with all the scam calls I receive just say hello if it’s 2to 3 rings before they answer I disconnect. Plus I always know when it’s a scam call they can’t pronounce my name properly so I just say Sorry you must have the wrong number and hang up . They have to introduce themselves to me and then I decide to say not interested Thankyou and hang up
 

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