Ways to Keep Phone Calls Short

Do you like to talk on the phone ?
Do you think that you spend too much time on the phone ?

The phone rings. It's a friend who wants to tell you about his or her latest health problem. You hate to be rude and cut your friend off, but what can you do ? Time management consultant Stephanie Winston, author of Stephanie Winston's Best Organizing Tips, offers this advice :

1. Don't ask questions like "What's new?"
   They give the impression that you have time to chat. After "hello" get right to the heart of the matter.
    
2. Time your calls intelligently.
   If you make a call right before lunch or dinner, or at the end of the workday, people chat less.
    
3. Set a time limit.
   Start with, "Hi, I've only got a few minutes, but I wanted to talk to you about . . . ." 
   Or, "Gee, I'd love to talk more, but I only have a couple of minutes before I have to run errands." 
4. Jump on a pause.
   Even the most talkative caller has to pause now and then. Quickly say, "It has been great talking with you." Then end the conversation.
   
5. Forget niceties.
   Some people just don't take a hint. Interrupt your caller and say, " I'd like to talk to you longer, but I'm pressed for time. Good bye." Then hang up. Don't ask for permission to end the conversation.
    
6. Find a "partner in crime"
   If nothing else works, ask someone in your home to help you. For example, one woman signals her husband, who yells, "Kate, I think the roast is burning!"
   
7. Avoid the phone completely.
   Use an answering machine to screen calls. If you have an important message for a chatterbox, leave the message when he or she isn't in.