Hi there, I have a maybe a similar question... Not sure where else on here to pose it. I've been contacting POIs over the last month and generally have been pretty successful - that is they comment on what I've said, suggest other people to contact, and encourage me to apply.
Today I received a response from an e-mail I sent out a few weeks ago and had given up on that said:
"This sounds interesting [referring to a research idea I pitched]. I could be an advisor or a committee member on such a project. Give me a call if you would like, or maybe you'll be visiting the campus? Best, X"
I can't visit the campus because it's crazy expensive, but I can't think of a legitimate reason not to call. I know it would be in my best interest, but the problem is I have a really hard time with phone conversations. For one, I have an extremely weak high pitched and soft voice and generally people have trouble understanding me over the phone. Furthermore, I'm not sure what I should say considering I laid it all out (I felt) in the first e-mail. What are appropriate questions? What exactly does he expect me to talk about? Funding? More on research ideas? Do I need to read all of his recent articles to prepare? How long will we talk? Something about this seems infinitely more stressful for me personally than an e-mail or a face to face conversation.
I feel like if he likes me it will be a big feather in my cap, while on the other hand, if I butcher it...
Any suggestions?