A shoulder rest can be secured to a telephone handset without being particularly shaped to fit the contours of that particular handset. Below a contoured portion adapted to fit against a user's shoulder, the shoulder rest includes a concave or cut-out portion between two base portions that contact the handset. Because of the cut-out portion, the rest can fit a handset that is flat or curved, regarless of the contour or radius of curvature. A flat, flexible strap of material preferably spans the base portions to increase the contact between the rest and the handset.