Originally Posted by Taoye

Part of the problem is that you really can't do a relay call with someone without introducing and explaining what is going on.

The person we call will get confused, they will get annoyed with the delays, they will wonder what is going on, and we as relay operators must remain transparent on our calls...we can't just make something up or have small talk with them.... and we are not allowed to use the words "deaf or heard of hearing" in our explanations unless you the caller tells us to. So sometimes it can be a challenge!

It is very important that we are able to explain relay, and if they hang up (and they do... and I really hate it when they do!), perhaps consider giving instructions like "redial and before intro call explain i am deaf" or something like that. It often works! Also like someone mentioned sometimes the person thinks we are solicitors or salespeople. We call back and explain and they say "ohhh I thought you were a telemarketer." But yeah... sometimes just saying "explain I am deaf" works, because regardless of your Deaf politics, it usually gets the point across! :-)