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Using the phone

Make phone calls when you're relaxed and have plenty of time. Take your time.

Have everything you need ready and to hand:

• paper and pen
• the other person's name and number written down
• your own name, address, phone number and other details written down
• a note of the questions or points you want to make.

When you get through, someone may want to take a message and call you back.

If they don't call back, ring them again.

You may get through to an automatic switchboard.

A voice will tell you how to get through to the number you want.

If you have difficulty, just wait and you should be put through to an operator.

You may be put through to an answerphone.

You'll need to leave your name and phone number.

If they don't call back, ring them again.

Think about:

• Getting your own answerphone so that you don't miss calls coming in. You can also switch on your answerphone if you don't feel like talking.
• Getting a hands-free telephone - you don't have to hold the receiver.
• Using an advocate, if making phone calls is too difficult.

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