Is it normal that i have a fear of talking on the phone?

I tend to get really nervous talking on the phone... I dread it...I feel like I'll slur my words, talk to fast, or not hear what the person on the other end is saying... I only feel this way if I'm talking to strangers...

Voting Results
67% Normal
Based on 60 votes (40 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Ükskakspum

    I'm the same way. Even though I have social anxiety, I'm afraid of talking on the phone more than I'm afraid of talking face-to-face.

    I think it's because when talking on the phone, people focus on each other's voices rather than each other's appearance or the surroundings. So, if you make a mistake (slur your words, talk too fast, etc), it's more likely that they'll notice it, as opposed to talking face-to-face, when there's more things to notice and be distracted by.

    Also, I'm very self-conscious of my voice and my accent, as they change dramatically when I get embarrassed. And I'm embarrassed all the time when talking with strangers.

    So yeah, this was me analysing the reason behind my fear. I think you should try and find the reason behind your fear too. Think of what makes you worry and analyse it. It might help you to control it.

    However, if you just wanted to know if your fear was normal, I think it's as normal as being shy to talk to people face-to-face.

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  • healthy-omnipotence

    Yes! I feel so awkward talking on the phone mainly because of all the long pauses between each line of dialogue and because I have so little time to think about what I'm going to say next >////<

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  • Mersaphe

    The thing about talking on the phone is that you can be the quietest person in the world in real life, but on the phone it amplifies your voice so much that you might be whispering but the person on the other end can hear you easily.

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  • Shackleford96

    You should apply at a call center :P

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  • kinkykitten

    Im the same way.seems normal to me

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  • Me too. Normal.

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  • AbnormallyAwesome

    Weird. I always found it a lot easier to talk on the phone. You don't know what they look like and what's even better: They don't know what you look like. You can be whoever you want to be!
    I usually try to keep it mellow. Speak in a relaxed voice be polite, take your time. If you always stay calm you're in charge of the conversation.
    Turn it around. Imagine they feel very awkward talking on the phone, and you are there to give them comfort.

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