Tip of the week ...
how to leave a proper voice mail
Think before you speak. Ramble on, and you just may get cut off. So start your voice mail with an overview. “Map out” the reason you’re calling and then add any relevant details. Preparing in advance also means that if the person actually answers, you’ll be ready to talk.
Start with the numbers. Leaving a phone number is the “most critical” part of the call. Be sure to mention it at the beginning of the message, so the person “won’t have to replay the whole thing just to jot it down.” Just to be safe, say it again at the end, and enunciate clearly both times.
It’s not about you. It takes two to have a conversation, even when you’re just leaving a message. Whether the subject is business or personal, try to express “what is in it” for the person. If the topic is genuinely complicated or sensitive, don’t leave a voice mail at all. Call back.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Source: Allure
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Wall Street tumbles on poor tech results
Speed Read US markets had their worst day since 2022 as Tesla and AI stocks dropped
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Salt Lake City named host of 2034 Winter Olympics
Speed Read The Winter Games are returning to the US for the first time in 32 years
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Netanyahu makes controversial address
Speed Reads Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress denounced Gaza war protestors
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published