Use Your Voicemail Message to Make a Good Impression
By: Bean Jones
Voicemail Nightmare. This satirical video takes potshots at annoying voicemail messages.
A few years ago, my friends and I were into recording goofy voicemail messages. By "goofy," I mean we often recited lines from our favorite nerd flicks like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Wayne's World. We were so hell-bent on being "cool" that we forgot one very important thing. The people from the companies we had submitted job applications to would hear the said messages when they called.
Needless to say, my old voicemail greeting probably cost me a job offer or two. (In it, I barked, "Have you lost your beans? If you haven't, say it like you mean it after the beep!" and had Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" playing in the background.)
It would be a huge understatement to say that my old voicemail message was unclear and foolish. I certainly could have used some sound advice back then.
To make sure that you make a good impression with your voicemail, here are three tips from the experts:
1. Say it right. Speaker trainer Joyce Newman, president of the Newman Group, says, "If you talk too fast, callers will think you're stressed. So, speak at a relaxed pace." And, whatever you do, don't speak in a monotone voice because people will perceive you as unfriendly or, worse, arrogant. Use an amiable tone that projects confidence.2. Be specific. "A caller who hears that you're out of the office or away from your desk was likely able to figure that out on their own," says business and technology writer Jeff Wuorio. Instead, he advises, you should offer specific information, such as dates and times when you would be available to take calls. Say, "Please call me back after 5 p.m. or leave a message after the beep. Thank you."
3. Keep it short. Remember that you're just leaving a short message and not having a conversation with yourself. "Messages longer than 10 second shows you're not mindful of people's time," says Laurie Puhn, author of Instant Persuasion: How to Change Your Words, to Change Your Life. Besides, the majority of people who call just want to leave a message if they can't get hold of you right at that moment.
If you get these three moves right, you'll succeed at making a good impression on everyone--from old acquaintances, as well as potential employers and clients who haven't had the chance to shake your hand just yet. This way, you already win big even if you're not around.
Suggested Resource: Want more tips on how to project rock-solid confidence and optimism in your voicemail? Check out the empowering lessons of the Kaizen Club and apply them to your life as well. After all, you can't just sound good, you have to feel it, too.
Comments
I loved the video. I agree that there is nothing more frustrating that an automated recording on how to leave a message. Your time is important to you so the voice mail message should be short and sweet.
Having worked as a switchboard operator, your clients want immediate action, not to be put on hold, or told that pressing a certain button will get them what they want only to find that you've got another set of instructions. Uuuuuuugh!
Great post. Just one more thing to add. Leave your call back number at the beginning and end of your message. This helps if they weren't able to write your number down quickly enough. It will allow your listener to replay the message for your number without having to listen to the entire message again,
Another suggestion about the callback number - say it slowly and clearly. When people zip through it, especially on a cell phone, it is sometimes impossible to figure out what the number is. I also repeat it. It takes an extra 4 seconds and makes your message easier on your recipient.