Fluther: When giving out numbers over the phone to someone, do you ...

When giving out numbers over the phone to someone, do you give the numbers in a slow, measured way, or do you just throw them out there as fast as you can read them?

Asked by Dutchess_III (46807

) December 29th, 2017
17 responses
“Great Question” (1

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For example, when paying a bill I have to give out my credit card number. Do you just rattle it off as fast as you can read them, or do you wait for some signal that they’re ready for for the next batch?

I read off 3 numbers at a time, clearly, and sometimes we get into a cadence of me saying, “457…” then she’ll say, “K,” as a signal she’s ready for the next 3.
Most often, though, I listen for 3 taps on the key board on the other end, then read the next 3.

I’ve worked in customer service for years, and most people don’t understand what it’s like to field a bunch of unfamiliar numbers over the phone. They don’t understand the need to speak slowly and clearly. They’re especially bad with numbers they have well memorized, like their own phone numbers. I once asked a guy for his number and he said, in a rush, ”Fourfiveeightdoubleoughtthreeseven” I was like.. 458…double ought? Oh. Country talk. Means 00. So 458–0037.

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Topics: numbers, phones, customer service

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Answers

sets of 3, then wait for confirmation.

ragingloli (51957

)“Great Answer” (2

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Oh, I just throw them out as fast as I can read them.

janbb (62858

)“Great Answer” (1

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Are you being serious @janbb?

Dutchess_III (46807

)“Great Answer” (0

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Group of three, group of three, group of two, one more group of two.

Onetwothree…fourfivesix…seveneight…nineten.

zenvelo (39407

)“Great Answer” (1

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I like to go really fast and garble with a fake accent. After all, when it’s important to me to impart information, I want to make sure it’s as unintelligible as possible. <eye roll>

canidmajor (21228

)“Great Answer” (4

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I give them out in a slow measured way with the numbers in groups.

flutherother (34518

)“Great Answer” (1

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I try to intuit when they are ready and the appropriate pace, and try to be clear and slow enough but not so slow they get irritated. Some people are faster or more ready than others. I also pause after to give them the opportunity to let me know if they got it, or sometimes even ask if they got it if there’s any indication that they might not have.

Zaku (30353

)“Great Answer” (1

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Slow and steady for me. I don’t want to risk screwups on the other end.

NomoreY_A (5546

)“Great Answer” (2

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You wouldn’t believe how quickly some people throw numbers at you over the phone! It’s like, are you totally clueless there?

Dutchess_III (46807

)“Great Answer” (1

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Understood. But really its in their own best interest to give it slow. More so on important things like insurance claims or when dealing with government beaurocrats. I dont want my payout or something I order online going to Clyde Crabgrass in Kalamazoo.

NomoreY_A (5546

)“Great Answer” (0

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Plus it saves time and frustration in the end, for everyone, by not having to repeat yourself.

Dutchess_III (46807

)“Great Answer” (1

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Slow & deliberate, like one number at a time in my best Hawking impression

ucme (50047

)“Great Answer” (1

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I enunciate very deliberately, and clearly. I hate it when people rattle off numbers fast, or in the wrong rhythm. It is one of my biggest pet peeves.

Kardamom (33285

)“Great Answer” (2

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@Dutchess_III When giving out numbers over the phone to someone:

I prefer rounded vowels, a crisp consonantal delivery and a cadence so ineluctably eloquent that nightingales have been known to swoon in unison from their bowers.

Either that or four letters at a time like on the card.

Pinguidchance (5040

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