Final answer:
The assertion that one should smile before picking up the phone is a customer service strategy that aims to make the voice sound friendly and positive, supported by psychological research on how facial expressions affect emotions and perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, “Before you pick up the phone, smile,” relates to the area of customer service and interpersonal communication, which falls under the broader category of Health, particularly regarding mental and emotional well-being. The practice of smiling before answering the phone is actually rooted in the idea that a smile can change the tone of your voice, making it sound more positive and friendly to the person on the other end. As strange as it may seem, research in the field of psychology suggests that our facial expressions can influence our emotions and how we are perceived by others, even in situations where we are not seen, such as on a telephone call.