Tips for leaving a voicemail message:

1. Be prepared and focused when you hear the beep… ((...Huh? Yeah...I'll be in that
meeting in a second, I'm just leaving this voicemail...Sorry...Where was I? Oh,
yeah...)

2. The tone of your voice kind of affects when/if your call gets returned.

3. Speak clearly and slowly.

4. Keep messages short and to the point.

5. Be sure to leave your name and telephone number.

6. Let the person know the best time to call you back.

Sample 1:
Leaving an informal message to your friend
Hi, this is Alex. (First introduce yourself)
I’m calling to see if you’re free this weekend. How about we go to a movie on Saturday? (Give
your reason for calling)
Call me back if you have time. I’ll be home all day. (Make a request)
You know my number, but, just in case, it’s 819-752-9634. (Leave your phone number)
Talk to you later. (End the message)

Sample 2:
Leaving a business message
Hello, this is Alexander Smith. My number is 819-752-9634 (Introduce yourself. Spell your
name if possible. Give your telephone number)
It’s Monday, 3 pm. And, I am calling about the job opening in your corporation. I’d like to
arrange an interview. (Give the time of day and your reason for calling)
Can you call me back at your earliest convenience? (Make a request)
My number is 819-752-9634. (Repeat your number. Speak slowly and clearly)
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much. (End the message)

Tips for making voicemail greetings:

 Greeting
 Your Name
 Your Company Name and/or Department Name
 Statement that you cannot take their call right now
 Invitation to leave a message
 When they can expect a return call
 Who they can contact for immediate assistance (if applicable)
 No longer than 20 - 25 seconds (rule-of-thumb)
 Avoid giving out too much information and making an overly long greeting.

Voicemail greetings:
Creative ones
Please leave a message. However, you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say
will be recorded and will be used by me.

Hi. I'm probably home. I'm just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and
if I don't call back, it's you.

This is you-know who. We are you-know-where. Leave your you-know-what you-know-

when.

Professional ones
"This is (name) of (company). I'm currently unable to take your call. Please leave your
name, phone number, and a brief message, and I will contact you as soon as possible.
Thanks."

"Hello, you have reached the office of (name) . I’m presently on another call and am
unable to speak with you personally. If you will leave your name and telephone number, I
will return your call. Thank you.

"Thanks for calling, this is (name). Today is Friday and I am working from our corporate
office. Should you need to reach me immediately, please call (123) 456-7899. Otherwise,
please leave me a message and I’ll return your call as soon as possible."

Thank you for calling XYZ Company. If you know the extension number of the person
you are trying to reach, you may dial it now. Press 1 for sales. Press 2 for customer
service. Press 3 for the billing department. Press 8 to access our fax on-demand system.
Press 9 for a company directory, or press 0 for the operator.