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!

[Joe]

The template is a great start. My only suggestion is to repeat the phone number. Most people accelerate their speaking rate with phone numbers. Even if you slow down, repeating the number will better ensure the person gets it.

[Susan Aaron, Alpha Omega Editing Services]

Absolutely commit your “template” to memory so you can readily leave a standard message. This one is a good start—I’d adjust it a bit, however. There is no way I’m going to bother to write down a phone number until I know why the person is calling. So the caller should state the reason for calling just after giving his/her name. And yes, repeat the number.