TICKETS REMAIN FOR TELEPHONE `DOCTOR'

Sales have been brisk for The Telephone "Doctor," a nationally known expert on telephone etiquette and customer service, but tickets remain for her Friday program.

The Telephone Doctor, Nancy Friedman, will be the keynote speaker for the 106th annual Southeast Missouri Press Association meeting.

Her presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. is open to the public. She will speak at the Glenn Auditorium in the Dempster Hall of Business on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

With ever increasing prevalence of voice mail, direct dial and automated answering services, the job of answering the telephone has become considerably more complicated.

The telephone is also the front line for customer service, Friedman's specialty. In her 15 years, The Telephone "Doctor" has helped over 12,000 organization improve their telephone skills and customer service over the phone.

Friedman will discuss the "Five Forbidden Phrases" that customers never want to hear on the telephone.

Millions of dollars are lost each year due to poor customer service," Friedman said. "We want to keep the dollars in Cape Girardeau. We don't want people to drive to St. Louis when there are wonderful businesses right there in Cape Girardeau."

The seminar is filled with humorous anecdotes, and no one has to stand or do role-playing. A question-and-answer time will be included.

Seating is limited to 400. Tickets cost $25 and are available at the Southeast Missourian office or by calling Joni Adams or Peggy Scott at 335-6611.