What to Say When: Leaving Voice Mail

What To Say When is a feature I’ve been wanting to do for a while!  Since I know scripts work really well for me, I thought it would be great to compile them all in one place and share them where you can refer to them easily.

Thanks to Erin Doland (aka the Unclutterer) via Simply Stated for this one.

Here’s a simple formula for leaving a voice mail:

1. Your name – slowly and clearly.
2. Your phone number – slowly and clearly.
3. Repeat your phone number – slowly and clearly.
4. If needed, your email address.
5. Explain why you are calling.
6. Request the action you would like from the person you are calling.
7. Hang up.

The reason she gave for having the number at the beginning rather than the end was so the person wouldn’t have to replay a long message to hear the number again.  IMO, what matters most is that you say it slowly and clearly enough for the person to make out…if they can’t understand it they’ll never call you back, guaranteed!

(photo | carlo nicora)