I Hate the phone. that’s right, Hate – with a capitol H. I would rather talk to people face to face or send an email, or text message. I don’t know what it is, but I need to psych myself up to talk to someone on the phone. Ordering take out is something I avoid…really, if there is someone else in the room it is THEIR responsibility to order dinner…otherwise eggs and toast it is!
And who knew but Telephone phobia is an actual thing! So now I know it’s not just me, and you know it’s not just you! Making phone calls can be hard for some people.
The thing about Hating the phone is…it’s really not that bad. I work for a living, and part of that is I need to make phone calls, take phone calls and be able to communicate on the phone. Even though I still need to take a deep breath before I dial the number, I am getting better, I know the people on the other end of the phone are just people, and I get the job done. In life, not communicating is not an option – so I make it happen.
Telephone skills are crucial in life, in work AND in recruiting. So start developing these skills now and practice practice practice!
Here’s an example script:
Athlete: Dial….actually dial and stay on the line while the phone rings!
Athlete: Hello, this is ___________ I wanted to introduce myself, I’m a grade 10 soccer athlete from ______ in Canada, do you have a minute to talk?.
Coach: Hello! Thanks for calling can you tell me a bit about yourself….
Athlete: For sure! …tell them some juicy details about your experience, awards, statistics or anything else that may make them say…
Coach: Wow! sounds like you have been quite successful in your high school career so far, what makes you interested in our program?
Athlete: (do your research before you phone!) I want to study _____ and I know your school has a strong program. I also really like __________ about your program and would love to find out more about your …schedule, team, philosophy… identify a few questions or things that you are interested in learning about this program
Coach: …May have some questions for you, be prepare to answer questions about your experience, your academic interests and your future goals.
Athlete: Coach, thank you for your time, I look forward to speaking with you again soon!
In general coaches are very good about pulling quality conversations out of very nervous young recruits! All you need to do is take the first step and make the phone call!
PHONE CALL TIP: If you get an answering machine, always leave a message! Let them know who you are, and that you will follow up with an email to set up a time to talk on the phone. Coaches are very busy – you may need to leave a few messages and send a number of emails before you are able to get them on the telephone!
Here’s a FACT: if you want to be successful in recruiting, if you want to get the opportunity to put on a jersey for your favourite school or program, you need to be able to communicate, and develop a relationship with a coach over the phone. As an international student, it is important to be able to develop this relationship from a distance, you wont necessarily be able to attend as many tournaments, camps or showcases as a typical American high school athlete. Coaches are only allowed to call you after your junior year, and even then it is regulated – but YOU can make as many phone calls as you like, and use that time to get to know your target coaches, their philosophies and school.
Download our FREE script and phone call preparation worksheet and be ready to confidently rock every call with your target coaches!
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Visit our athletes page to get access to more scripts including how to book an in person meeting on campus, what questions to be prepared to answer, examples of how to introduce yourself and what to say in a voicemail message.