How To Leave a Voicemail Message

Here's a handy template you can use when leaving voicemail messages:

"Hello, this is [X]. Could you call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX? It is regarding [X]. Thank you. Goodbye."

Guidelines for using the above template:

• Do not deviate from this script. No other information is necessary to return your call.
• Speak clearly.
• When leaving your phone number, say the numbers as if you were speaking to a child who is a little dumb. I process numbers slowly and I don't always have a piece of paper handy. The slower you say it, the more likely you will receive a callback. 
• Keep in mind, I listen to the first 10-20 seconds of my message before deleting it.
• Accidentally deleting a message is almost too easy. Don't assume the recipient received your message.
• I like you, really I do, but I have better things to do than listen to a stream-of-consciousness waking dream message.
• Background noise negatively affects the sound quality of your message. If you are calling from an airport tarmac, call at another time.
• There is almost nothing I like hearing less than "You have...eight...new messsages."

Thank you! You are making the world a better place.

Comments

[patricia]

I'm going to have this tattooed on my hand because I am horrible at leaving voice mail. The * and # buttons have become my new best friends.

[Dave G]

Patricia - I'm glad you found it helpful!

I was reluctant to put this template up initially because I felt like I was being too pedantic (ie. who does *this guy* think he is telling people how to leave voicemail messages?). But it's resonated with a lot of people, it's the second most popular post on this blog.

[United Nathan]

Great idea. I cannot agree more with your template nor can I stress that the person leaving the message should ever assume that I have committed their number to memory. ALWAYS leave your number... even if you are my mother, brother, best friend, lover or long lost acquaintance. Chances are I know you, but don't remember your number.

[Joe]

"It is a good day to be anal retentive"...

I am a private tutor. The phone messages I receive display a rich variety of telephone skills.

Suggested minor improvements:

Hi
I'm calling John Smith
This is Jane Doe
My number is area code ZZZ, zzz-zzzz
[message]
Bye

- "Hi" - throwaway word sets your phone's sensitivity so first syllable isn't washed out.

- Putting the recipient's name first lets me skip the message immediately if it's for someone else here.

- Identify yourself. I don't recognize your telephone voice. Which "Jane"? "It's me"? Please. (Besides, it's "It's I" grumblegrumble...)

- "Acesevanfighthrionine" is not a telephone number. And which of the eleven overlay area codes are you?

- A number left at the beginning of the message means I don't have to sit through the whole message to replay it - and it won't be cut off after your 30 seconds are up.

- Include enough information to eliminate one round of phone-tag. Don't bother with "I have a question, call me".

[Mimi]

You are so right, people just sometimes dont use their common logic for leaving messages. Or they stutter and hmm for at least 6 min. For gods sake, its just a machine!! I never understood why people are terrified of it.

[Nay]

Since that great template post I have used it a lot. But my next gripe is leaving my own personal voice mail message on my phone any tips. I need something quick, yet to the point. Thanks!