In today’s remote working landscape, phone calls have become an essential part of our professional lives. While video calls offer the advantage of nonverbal cues, ending a phone call can be trickier due to the absence of visual communication. Awkward moments may arise, but with the right approach, you can smoothly conclude your phone conversations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective techniques to end a phone call without being awkward. By following these tips, you’ll leave a positive impression and maintain professionalism in your communication.
1. Express Appreciation for Their Time
One of the most effective ways to end a phone call is by expressing gratitude for the other person’s time. While you don’t have the advantage of nonverbal cues, a simple verbal appreciation can go a long way. A genuine thank you can help leave a positive impression. You can use phrases like:
- “Thanks for taking the time to talk today.”
- “I appreciate your time and insights during this call.”
Expressing appreciation is a polite way to acknowledge the value of the other person’s contribution to the conversation.
2. Recap the Conversation
Recapping the conversation is not only a great way to demonstrate your active listening and understanding but also serves as a natural transition to ending the call. By summarizing the key points discussed, you can ensure that both parties are on the same page. Keep the recap brief and mention one or two important or interesting aspects of the conversation. Additionally, if there are any next steps that need to be taken, reiterate them to confirm mutual understanding. This will help wrap up the call smoothly and efficiently.
3. Provide Space for Final Comments or Questions
To gracefully conclude a phone call, it’s essential to give the other person an opportunity to share any remaining thoughts or questions they may have. By making space for their final comments, you not only demonstrate attentiveness but also preempt any potential conflicts or unresolved issues. Some phrases you can use to encourage final input include:
- “Before we end, do you have any other questions?”
- “Is there anything else that we should discuss?”
- “Would you like to share anything else before we conclude?”
- “How else can I support you today?”
By actively inviting their input, you show respect for their perspective and ensure a comprehensive conversation.
4. Discuss Post-Call Plans
As the conversation nears its end, it’s helpful to discuss post-call plans. This not only signals that the call is coming to a close but also allows you to develop a deeper connection with the other person. Depending on the context, you can inquire about their schedule or share your own plans. For instance, you could ask:
- “What are you up to after this?”
- “When’s your next call?”
- “I’m heading to a specific activity/meeting someone after the call. How about you?”
Discussing post-call plans helps create a sense of camaraderie and can potentially lead to further conversations or collaborations.
5. Politely Indicate the End of the Call
When you’re short on time or need to wrap up a call promptly, it’s essential to signal the end of the conversation politely. This ensures that you’re not perceived as rude or abrupt. Use phrases like:
- “Looks like we are at the end of the call…”
- “Looks like we are out of time…”
- “Alright, we are at the hour mark…” (replace “hour” with any other duration)
By indicating that the call is coming to a close, you allow both parties to wrap up the conversation smoothly.
Pro Tip: Check out these12 simple phrases to end a conversation politely for more ideas on gracefully concluding your phone calls.
6. Additional Tips for Ending Phone Calls
In addition to the techniques mentioned above, here are a few extra tips to help you end phone calls smoothly:
Be mindful of the time: Respect the other person’s time by keeping the call within the allotted timeframe or agreed-upon duration.
Use a friendly tone: Maintain a friendly and positive tone throughout the conversation and especially when concluding the call.
Offer assistance: Before ending the call, ask if there is anything else you can do to support the other person. This shows your willingness to provide further assistance if needed.
Confirm next steps: If there are any action items or follow-ups discussed during the call, make sure to confirm them before ending the conversation. This ensures clarity and accountability.
Avoid abrupt endings: Even if you’re in a rush, avoid abruptly ending the call without any closing remarks. A polite conclusion is essential for leaving a positive impression.
Remember, ending a phone call smoothly is just as important as starting it on the right note. By utilizing these techniques and adapting them to your own communication style, you’ll be able to conclude your phone conversations with professionalism and ease.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of ending a phone call without being awkward is a valuable skill in today’s remote work environment. By expressing appreciation, recapping the conversation, allowing space for final comments, discussing post-call plans, and politely indicating the end of the call, you can ensure a smooth and professional conclusion. Additionally, following the additional tips mentioned above will help you leave a positive impression and maintain effective communication. Incorporate these techniques into your phone conversations, and you’ll build stronger professional relationships while fostering a positive working environment.
