When you can't speak to the person you are calling, voice mail messages left correctly will be usually returned in a timely fashion.
Voice mail can be a challenge for callers and recipients. Ill-prepared callers often are left struggling for something to say. Rambling voice mail messages with no organization can annoy recipients enough to be ignored. Several tips can help you leave an effective voice mail message on cell phones to get results and avoid wasting the time of the recipient.
Instructions
1. Dial the number of the person you are calling. Although you anticipate a live voice, be prepared in the event you have to leave a voice mail. Plan out your message beforehand. Consider the points you want to make beforehand and make a few notes by jotting them down on a notepad or other writing material. Keep the message brief but to the point.
2. Speak clearly and slowly enough to be understood. Nothing is more frustrating than having to replay a message more than twice to understand it.
3. Identify yourself immediately. Don't delay until the end of the call to inform the recipient who is calling.
4. Provide a good call back number. Be sure to state the number twice so the recipient can confirm the number while listening to the message.
5. Leave a message and not just your number and name. This allows recipients to have any information available you may be seeking when they are able to return your call.
6. Watch the tone of your voice mail. As with emails and letters, your tone is the only cue you have to communicate with. A monotone lacks enthusiasm, so try adding some vitality in your voice. Restrain from sarcasm and irritation if you want your call returned.
7. Mark or flag your message as "urgent" to help the recipient distinguish urgent from non-urgent calls .Your message will move to the top of the call list and be the first one heard. If your system does not support this feature, start out by indicating the urgency, such as, "Hi, Sarah. Please call me back as soon as you get this."
Tags: voice mail, call back, mail messages, person calling, voice mail messages