4 Simple Steps To Handling Wrong Numbers And Feeling Good About It

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IF YOU DIAL THE WRONG NUMBER

STEP 1 – APOLOGIZE.
It is rude to hang up without saying anything. It does not matter that you remain anonymous on the phone and that in all probability you’ll never meet the person on the other end. The rule of thumb is to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Remember, what goes around comes around! Offer a simple apology to the person whose number you got by mistake. “Sorry, I got the wrong number.”

STEP 2 – CHECK THE NUMBER
It is always prudent to check whether you’ve reached the number you intended to dial. “I was dialing 555.321... Is this the right number?” This keeps you from reaching the wrong party a second time.

STEP 3 – THANK THE RECIPIENT
A courtesy goes a long way. Simply say: “Thank you for your help.”

STEP 4 – SAY GOOD-BYE
Depending on the time of day, I like to say: “Have a good day” or “Have a good night.” Notice how you feel when you treat others with respect. YOU will feel so much better and you will attract good things to YOU.


IF OTHERS DIAL YOUR NUMBER BY MISTAKE

STEP 1 – EXPLAIN that they’ve reached the wrong number.
“You’ve got the wrong number.”

STEP 2 – CHECK whether they’ve reached the number they intended to dial. “What number are you dialing?” This will keep them from calling you a second time. If they intended to dial your number, but are asking for the wrong person, you can say: "That's my number, but there's no one here by that name." If the caller intended to call a business and got your home number, you can say: "This is a private residence."

STEP 3 – ACCEPT the apologies.
Say: "No problem."

STEP 4 – SAY GOOD-BYE
Say kindly and with a smile: “Have a good day” or “Have a good night.” depending on the time of day.

© 2008 Natasha Cooper

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Natasha Cooper, author of Power English System, helps international professionals and newcomers to America to succeed in the U.S. by learning American English and powerful communication skills. If you want tips on improving your English, then you’ll want to get Natasha’s F-R-E-E weekly Power English Minute E-zine by visiting www.englishskills.com.

You must have the wrong number

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“Hello, is Brian there?” Someone got the wrong number.
I reply: “I’m sorry. There is no Brian here. You have the wrong number.”
But the caller is being persistent: “Is this 765-4321?”
No, that’s not my number. “No, you must have misdialed.”
“I’m sorry,” says the caller.
“No problem. Have a good day.”
Less than five minutes later the phone rings again.
“This is Natasha Cooper.”
This time someone is trying to reach a bookstore, so I have to explain: “I am sorry. This is a private residence. You’ve got the wrong number.”
A few minutes later I get another call: “Who is this?”
I think it’s my turn to ask a question. “Excuse me, who are you trying to reach?”
The caller gives a long name.
No, this is definitely the wrong number. “Sorry, I’m afraid you got the wrong number.”
Maybe I should check the number. “What number are you dialing?”
The caller reads my number.
“That’s my number all right, but there’s no one here by that name.”
“I must have the wrong number,” says the caller apologetically. “Thank you.”
After a brief silence the phone starts ringing. Not again!
“Hello!”
“May I talk to Natasha Cooper?”
Thank heavens! It’s really for me. “This is she.”

© 2008 Natasha Cooper

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Natasha Cooper, author of Power English System, helps international professionals and newcomers to America to succeed in the U.S. by learning American English and powerful communication skills. If you want tips on improving your English, then you’ll want to get Natasha’s F-R-E-E weekly Power English Minute E-zine by visiting www.englishskills.com.