why do I get petrified when I have to talk to strangers on the phone? How do I cope?

This sounds to me like Social Anxiety. It sounds awful but one of the best ways to cope is actually to face it. It's scary but start with people whom you're comfortable with and know your situation. Move on from them to people who you actually need to speak with on the phone. It's a difficult process but it's worth it :)

My little sister feels the same way, i think you should talk to a professional about it! You never know how much it will help

Talking to strangers may be stressful, but I understand why talking to strangers is even worse. You cannot see the reactions and it is harder to understand what they truly mean. Quickly planning what you wish to talk to the person about might help you.

Just react as if you're talking to a friend. Most of the times, this happens because you're afraid of being judged by the person on the other side. By reacting as a friend, you let got of that fear and enhance confidence.

I used to be like this until it was a part of my job every day. I think I was always nervous because I was scared I wouldn't sound like I knew what I was talking about and people would think I was ridiculous especially when I was growing up and calling businesses. Now I have this dedicated "phone voice" and kind of a different personality with people over the phone... so I guess just doing it a ton kind of beat the insecurity out of me!

At an early age we were all advised not to talk to strangers , as we don't have the ability yet to know the difference between good and bad people. as we get older we have to learn to deal with strangers. They could say something that reveals just how wrong we are about a truth we hold dear. Or might force us to look at a situation differently than we’re used to. So you must believe in your self and the ability to run a conversation. All you need to trust yourself. " If you think you aren’t qualified to make a good choice then you’re going to be afraid to make any choice."

i know exactly how you feel dear. just imagine that these people arent strangers at all imagine that they are your best friends, your parents or your loved one. imagine that person youre talking to is sitting front of you and is amazed how beautiful, talkactive and smart you are

Reasons may vary from person to person. For me I'm worried about embarrassing myself so it helps if I go into a room alone and write out what I need to say. Just try to breathe and speak slowely so they can understand you. If they can understand you the conversation will go by faster and you can get off the phone sooner.

You are probably scared to talk to them and say something embarrasing, or scared that they will not like you or what you are saying. You can start coping with this by trying to talk to people on the phone more. Write down exactly what you feel when you get a phone call. Seeing it on a paper may or may not help.

From my experience, I have learned that it is helpful, at least for me, to rehearse what I am going to say in my head first, so that I am prepared.