Voice Mail Etiquette
January 16, 2007 – 21:48 pm
Have you ever received one of those voice mail messages where you just wanted to scream, “Does this train have a caboose?” You know the type of message that I am talking about. It meanders around like a West Virginia mountain road until the very end and then the caller rattles off a call back number so quickly that a court stenographer wouldn’t be able to catch it, forcing you to listen to the whole message a second time.
I have come to the conclusion that many people have never learned the etiquette of leaving a proper voice mail message. It is actually a very simple process if you follow these guidelines. Let’s pretend that you are leaving me a voice mail. First, tell me who you are by stating your name and your company or organization. Don’t assume that I will recognize your voice.
Next, clearly and slowly provide your telephone number, starting with the area code. You may even want to repeat the number a second time.
Next, tell me whether I need to return your call and then tell me why you called – remember short and succinct are two adjectives that should apply here. Finally, repeat your telephone number one more time in case I didn’t have a pencil and paper handy at the start of your message.
Try to remember that my voice mail system in not a Nextel communications device. If you want to tell me your life’s story, just ask me to call you back, don’t leave it on my voice mail system. Somehow I don’t think I am the only one who would prefer that you following these simple rules of voice mail etiquette so think about them the next time you hear the beep.