The Telephone Voice

Do you know what I'm talking about?  Do you use a different voice when you talk on the phone?  Not like a fake accent or anything.

My husband and kids say I have a "phone voice".  It's my polite, super sweet voice. 

And since they've pointed it out, I realize that I do.  Whenever I answer the phone my whole demeanor changes.  I turn into this super nice person.  Even if two seconds ago I was yelling at the kids.  Or if I'm at work and completely frustrated, that phone rings and "nice Lori" turns on.

It's so weird.  Because I don't do it consciously.  I don't really give a rat's ass if the telemarketers think I'm nice or not.  And when I get jerks on the phone at work I don't want to be nice to them, I want to tell them to take a flying leap.

But, something comes over me.  I instantly change.  I'm all sugar and spice.  Why?  Why do I do this? 

Please tell me I'm not alone.  Please tell me that your alter ego answers the phone too!

Comments

[Summer]

Oh, totally! My phone voice is pleasant and professional and well-enunciated. I've had a lot of clients compliment me on my phone voice, and some have even asked if I've had voice training or worked in radio. Truth is, I DID have voice training, I did my undergraduate degree in theater, specializing in acting.

I am on the phone all day with clients all over the country, many who were born outside the US. My voice changes according to the person on the other end of the phone. If I'm speaking to someone from Russia, I drop articles from my sentences, because the Russian language doesn't use articles like "the." I'll say things like "you send me documents in Express Mail" rather than "send me the documents in an Express Mail." And if I'm speaking to someone with a strong southern accent, the Southern Maryland comes out in my voice!

Can't help it. I'm a polite, professional mimic.

[camikaos]

Oh yeah. I do. And them some... And everyone who knows me knows it... It's that drastic.

[Corey]

yup, I do it hear as well. I figure it is to make up for the lack of body language in the conversation. One must portray their emotion thru voice.

[Sybil Law]

I only do it when it's someone I need to be nice to. Otherwise, you're just stuck with nasty old Sybil. Haha

[Sara@Sarandipity]

Yup, I do it too! When I was working at the library people would always point out that I could be ranting and raving about something and the second I answered the phone "nice Sara" would make her appearance. I still do it...although I don't have to be professionally nice since I'm not working anymore.

[Jo Beaufoix]

Lori I do it too. In fact if I record anything for my blog I do it as well. I hate it though cos I think it makes me sound all posh and I'm not. :(

[Jessica Moore]

Yes! I totally have a phone voice. I'm the same way - I go from frustrated and yelling at the kids to super polite. And I don't care what people think, but it's brain washed into me that you are very nice on the phone. My mom has always said it's a Southern girl thing, but maybe it's not. :)

[bubblewench]

oh totally.. years of customer service have cultivated mine.. of course now I do anything to NOT talk on the phone

[Dixiechick]

Oh, honey...I am so with you. I too have an alter ego that answers the phone....at work anyway. I hardly answer my phone at home...I usually let the answering machine get it..then I decide if I want to call the person back or not..unless it is my kids. But, at work...I can be cussing at the person I dread talking to, but once I pick up the phone...sickenly sweet.

[Megan@SortaCrunchy]

Oh totally. Yes, yes, yes. My mom did it, too. It's either a mom thing or heriditary. But either way - you aren't alone! Someday C and J will do it, too. ;)

[Veronica]

Yep, I have a phone voice too. Sometimes I hate it, but I always use it. Always.