Speak slowly and clearly. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to allow your pace and tone of voice get out of control if you are feeling rushed, nervous, or generally in a bad mood. Just keep this in mind when speaking with a patient, especially a new patient. Tip: take a deep breath before answering the phone. Be happy, upbeat, and smile! Believe it or not, a caller can sense your physical “mood” over the phone. A smile helps you sound interested and genuine.