Telephones are devices that allow the user to communicate messages across lines electronically. One can easily communicate with those both nearby and far away using the telephone by simply dialing a specially designated number. The word telephone comes from two Greek words meaning "far" and "sound" ("Telephones,"1990).

Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone in 1876 in Boston, an outgrowth of his teaching the deaf and his experimentation with devices to assist in improving the hearing process.

Today it is difficult to estimate the total number of telephones in existence; because of their extreme importance as a communications tool, they are ubiquitous. Telephones come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors as well as with options that can be configured to accommodate almost any conceivable need.

Developing Effective Telephone Skills

Effective telephone skills are predicated on strong communications skills. The four major means of communication...