How do you pronounce common industry jargon on the phone?

1 Know your audience

The first step to pronouncing words correctly on the phone is to know who you are talking to and what they expect from you. Different industries, regions, or cultures might have different preferences or standards for how certain terms are pronounced. For example, do you say "data" as /?de?t?/ or /?d?t?/? Do you say "SQL" as /??skju??l/ or /?si?kw?l/? Do you say "niche" as /ni??/ or /n?t?/? To avoid confusion or embarrassment, do some research on your audience's background and preferences, and try to match their style and tone.

2 Practice and record

The second step to pronouncing words correctly on the phone is to practice and record yourself saying the words that you use frequently or find difficult. You can use online dictionaries, pronunciation guides, or apps to check the correct or common pronunciation of any word. You can also ask a native speaker, a colleague, or a friend to help you with feedback or correction. The key is to repeat the words until you feel comfortable and confident with them. You can also record yourself saying the words and listen back to see how you sound and what you can improve.

3 Slow down and enunciate

The third step to pronouncing words correctly on the phone is to slow down and enunciate clearly when you speak. Phone calls can have poor sound quality, background noise, or interruptions that can make it hard for the listener to understand you. To avoid miscommunication or frustration, you should speak at a moderate pace and articulate each syllable and sound of the words that you use. You should also avoid mumbling, slurring, or swallowing your words, and use pauses and intonation to emphasize your points.

5 Ask and clarify

The fifth step to pronouncing words correctly on the phone is to ask and clarify any words that you do not understand or are unsure of. If you are on the receiving end of a phone call and you hear a word that you are not familiar with or cannot pronounce, you should not hesitate to ask the speaker to repeat, explain, or spell it out for you. You should also use phrases like "Did you say...?", "Can you please repeat that?", or "Can you please spell that for me?" to clarify any doubts or confusion. This will show that you are attentive and interested in the conversation, and will prevent any misunderstandings or mistakes.

6 Review and learn

The sixth and final step to pronouncing words correctly on the phone is to review and learn from your phone calls. You can use a recording device, a note-taking app, or a journal to keep track of the words that you used, heard, or struggled with during your phone calls. You can then review them later and look up their meanings, pronunciations, or usage. You can also ask for feedback from your listeners, your peers, or your mentors on how you can improve your pronunciation skills and phone etiquette. By reviewing and learning from your phone calls, you will be able to expand your vocabulary, enhance your communication, and boost your confidence on the phone.