TELEPHONE ISSUES
So I know yet another issue that arose during our recent conference was this one:  how can adults with Moeebius improve their skills in talking to strangers on the telephone?

Make no mistake, it can be a daunting (and nerve-wracking!) issue.  When calling a stranger, you're talking to someone new.  They don't know you.  They have never heard your voice; they have never heard your speech.  Will they be able to understand you?  I of course don't have to remind any of us how positively embarrassing it is to speak to someone on the phone and have them not be able to understand you.

Okay, so what can we do?  I mean, sometimes you just have to call people on the phone.  An e-mail won't do (you might need instant action on something; who knows how long it will take for someone to read your e-mail.)   Here's some advice off the top of my head.  1] First off, remember--speak slowly.  Your speech is different, most likely; and it will sound different on the phone.  Plus the person to whom you're talking isn't used to hearing your speech.  So anticipate that; go slow; sound things out.  Understand that you don't want to talk in this situation the same way you would speak to, say, a close friend or a family member.

2] Hey, let's face it, it sure helps in speaking if we can get the full lip closure and make that "m" or "b" sound, and make it real clearly.  So give yourself some help--for example, go ahead and use your thumb or finger and, when having to make the "m" sound, use your finger to push your lips closed.  It'll sound a lot better.  Yes, of course, doing that wouldn't look good if you speaking to a "live" person; but remember, on the phone, you aren't.  Nobody can see you.  So use whatever artificial help you need to make your speech sound better.

3] And, of course, speak loudly too.  Sometimes we're so shy, and speaking on the phone is something that makes us so uptight, that when we finally do get our call put through we speak too softly (something common from shy folks).  People for sure can't understand you if they can't hear you.  So speak up; don't be afraid.

4] And of course there are situations in which maybe you could speak to someone on the phone; but maybe you don't have to do so.  Maybe it's an issue that isn't time-sensitive.  Maybe it's an issue at work that is complicated, and needs some explanation (and again isn't time-sensitive).  So sure, in those cases, maybe an e-mail is best...giving you a chance to really explain yourself.  (And I've noticed--many people I know with Moebius are pretty good at writing; maybe it's because we know we have to be at times, in order to express ourselves).  So use that form of communication when you can.  But don't use it to avoid telephone calls that have to be made.

“Most obstacles melt away when we make up our minds to walk boldly through them.”
Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924)