In the digital age, where communication revolves around text messages, “telephone phobia” (also known as “telephobia”) has become increasingly common, especially among young adults. Despite the ubiquity of smartphones, a significant number of individuals experience anxiety when __1__ making or receiving a phone call.
Telephobia, in essence, is a fear or reluctance related to speaking on the phone. __2__ other communication methods, phone conversations require spontaneous responses and lack visual feedback such as body language and facial expressions. In such a real-time situation, telephobia sufferers are concerned about their inability to respond or express themselves appropriately, which can lead to awkward silences. Altogether, these factors __3__ pressure and unease, prompting individuals to avoid phone communication. For some, this avoidance manifests itself in shying away from phone calls, delaying answering calls, or even panicking at the sound of the ringtone. In extreme cases, it may hinder one’s professional or social interactions.
Fortunately, there are strategies for overcoming telephobia. One of the most useful methods to tackle any fear is through __4__. Start by making short phone calls to close friends or family and slowly increase the length of these conversations. Through regular practice, fear diminishes while confidence accumulates. If anxiety __5__ the dread of saying something wrong, jotting down key points before a phone call helps guide a conversation and reduces the chance of blanking out. One seemingly simple but effective way is to talk on the phone with a smile. Smiling boosts confidence and conveys pleasantness, which can help create a low-pressure situation. With patience and persistence, it’s possible to engage more comfortably in telephone conversations.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
在這個溝通以文字訊息為主的數位時代中，電話恐懼症變得更為普遍，尤其是在年輕人之間。儘管智慧型手機無所不在，很多人在面臨打電話或接電話時卻會焦慮。
本質上來說，電話恐懼症是對於講電話的恐懼或不情願。電話對話與其他的溝通方式不同，需要即興回應且缺少諸如肢體語言和臉部表情等視覺回饋。在這種即時的狀況中，有電話恐懼症的人擔心自己無法適當地反應或表達自己，進而導致尷尬的沉默。這些所有因素加起來引起了壓力和不安，促使人們逃避電話溝通。對某些人來說，這種逃避的表現包含躲避電話、延遲接電話，或甚至在聽到電話鈴聲時感到恐慌。在極端的案例中，這可能會妨礙專業或社交互動。
幸好，有策略可以克服電話恐懼症。對付任何恐懼最有用的其中一種方式是透過逐漸接觸。從與摯友或家人短時間通話開始，再慢慢加長這些對話。透過頻繁練習，恐懼會減少，而信心會累積起來。如果焦慮是源自於擔憂說錯話，在通電話前先記下重點有助於引導對話，並減少腦袋空白的機率。一個看似簡單卻有效的方法是帶著微笑講電話。微笑會提升自信心並傳遞快樂，有助於創造低壓環境。有了耐心與毅力，就可以更舒適地投入電話對談中。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
What Did You Learn?
1. (A) to face (B) faced with (C) they facing (D) they face with
2. (A) Unlike (B) Besides (C) As to (D) But for
3. (A) modify (B) conceal (C) smash (D) provoke
4. (A) sheer nonsense (B) financial reward (C) gradual exposure (D) vivid impression
5. (A) reacts to (B) caters to (C) stems from (D) differs from
答案： 1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (C) 5. (C)
Words in use
1. revolve vi. 環繞，旋轉
revolve around... 以……為中心
Professor Lee’s research revolves around the impact of social media on mental health.
李教授的研究以社群媒體對心理健康的影響為中心。
2. reluctance n. 不情願，勉強
Teddy’s reluctance to confront the issue only made the situation worse.
泰迪不願面對問題，只是讓情況更糟而已。
3. spontaneous a. 自然發生的；隨興的
The crowd broke into spontaneous applause after the inspiring talk.
那場鼓舞人心的演說結束後，群眾自然而然地鼓起掌來。
4. awkward a. 令人尷尬的
an awkward silence 尷尬的沉默
There was an awkward silence when Rick finished his speech.
瑞克演講完畢時有一陣尷尬的沉默。
5. manifest vt. 顯示，表明
manifest oneself (in. . .)（在……）顯現出來
My brother’s anxiety often manifests itself in nail biting.
我弟弟焦慮時的表現是會咬手指。
Practical Phrases
1. in essence 本質上（= essentially）
essence n. 本質；精髓
The two theories are slightly different but share the same concept in essence.
這兩個理論有些微不同，但本質上的概念相同。
2. shy away from... 避開∕避免（做）……
Many students shy away from speaking in public due to a fear of making mistakes.
因為害怕犯錯，很多學生會避免在眾人面前說話。
3. jot down... / jot... down
(快速簡短地)記下∕寫下……
To avoid forgetting important tasks, I jot down a to-do list every morning.
為了避免忘記重要工作，我每天早上都會寫待辦清單。
4. blank out 腦袋突然一片空白
During the exam, I blanked out and couldn’t remember anything I had read.
我考試時突然腦袋空白，想不起來曾讀過的任何內容。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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