NO this is NOT a hotel!

[Binky]

I often have to answer calls at work and the one thing I get the most is people asking me if this is "blah blah" hotel or whatever...now normally this would be ok...but I answer the phone saying "Hello (my company name) this is (my name) speaking....it is very clear that the number they have dialed is NOT for the hotel.

Also, we're based in Sydney, NSW, I had a person call the other day asking if she had called the Melbourne hotel in SA OMG...


just ahhhh why do people not pay attention...I would answer the phone with the name of your hotel if it was the correct hotel..I answered your question when I answer the phone this is (my company) not your a hotel! and NO don't get pissed when I don't have the number for the hotel...and NO don't get pissed when I tell you you've called the wrong number..your the numb ass not me!

[Becks]

As you yourself said, people don't listen.

[smileyeagle1021]

no, you'd be amazed how often people not listening actually helps me in my job, i'll answer the phone
"thank you for calling (insert name of city) area reservations, this is smileyeagle speaking, how may I help you" (that's actually abbreviated, i usually get the callers name first then ask how I can help them)
half the time people figure out that they called central and will tell me what hotel they are looking for
a quarter of people think they called the hotel, but realized they didn't hear the opening the expected and ask something like "are you at the hotel across from (landmark)" and if it's a city I know, i'll do the "why yes I am" *enter hotel code... hey, if it's one that I know that well it's because it's one that I have the same authority as someone onsite, so i'm only half lying*
another quarter think they've called the hotel and didn't even pay attention to what I said and will continue to just babble off what they need and most of the time I have no clue where they are looking for (unless they mention a group that I know the location of).

[Seshat]

Another possibility for a proportion of the callers is hearing problems.

I have difficulty interpreting speech, especially over a phone. (I HATE making phone calls!) I have to maintain a great deal of concentration just to understand what's being said.

While the phone is ringing or on hold, I let that concentration lapse - especially if it's a long hold. So I can miss the first few words, or if said fast enough, the first sentence.

Now, I know some of you are going to say 'get a hearing aid'. But earlier this week I did a hearing test, and apparently it's not a problem that a hearing aid can help. It's partly in the ears, but partly in the brain.

So while this sort of problem probably isn't the case for most callers, please be patient if a caller attempts to clarify what you said. :insert bambi-eyes smiley here:

[cinema guy]

I too have a problem on the phone. Partly because I rely on seeing someone's lips to help 'hear' what is said - I can't lip read, but seeing the movement of the lips helps. Also holld a phone against your ear with a hearing aid and all you get is whistling feedback.

Being deaf sucks.

[thegiraffe]

Now, I know some of you are going to say 'get a hearing aid'. But earlier this week I did a hearing test, and apparently it's not a problem that a hearing aid can help. It's partly in the ears, but partly in the brain.

In the schools, we call that auditory processing. You "hear" it just fine, but you don't process the speech as well. It's essentially a short-circuit. A good audiologist may be able to help you train your ears to listen better. Though it sounds like you're doing a pretty good job as it is.

[greensinestro]

Me: Thank you for calling Adelphia, my name is greensinestro. How may I help you?

SC: Hi, is this Direct TV?

I simply can understand where you are coming from here, my friend.