3. Advantages of telephones

- You get immediate feedback to things you say

- The conversation is relatively private between you and the caller - although others might be able to hear what you are saying.

- You can call someone anywhere on the planet

- Calls can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

- Internal calls within a business are usually free of charge

- Most people have a telephone. No specialist equipment is needed.

- If there is an answerphone, you can leave a message if the person isn't available to take your call.

- If you don't know the telephone number you need there are plenty of services which will help you get the number (although they can be quite expensive).