In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to make connections with the people you’re trying to reach. When leaving answering machine messages, you should consider a few key points:

Speak Loudly and Clearly
Some people have a tendency to speak quickly, and it can be difficult for people listening to answering machine messages to hear you. Other people speak softly, and answering machines may not record your message clearly. When leaving answering machine messages, it’s important to speak loudly and clearly. Force yourself to speak slowly and enunciate if you normally have a habit of speaking quickly. Keep in mind that recipients write down information from answering machine messages.

Say Your Name
Don’t just call someone up and say “Hi, it’s me!” or “Hi, it’s Deb.” Even if you’re calling your best friend and you know that she knows your voice, consider the fact that answering machine messages often distort your voice and may make it impossible for the recipient to recognize you. Likewise, don’t assume that you’re the only Deb or Linda or Dan that the recipient knows. Provide your last name. This is especially important if you’re leaving answering machine messages at businesses or a doctor’s office; in many cases, the recipient may not be able to retrieve your information or return your call without a complete name.

Leave Your Phone Number
People lose slips of paper. Phones die and lose saved phone numbers. Don’t assume that the person you’re calling has your phone number. When you’re leaving answering machine messages, always make sure you leave your full phone number for the recipient to call you back. If you’re about to leave the house but it’s urgent that the recipient return your call, leave a mobile phone number or work phone number when you leave answering machine messages. Again, when you’re leaving phone numbers on answering machine messages, always make sure you speak slowly and clearly so that your recipient can write your phone number down. It’s a good idea to repeat your phone number, so that your recipient can get all of the numbers even if one of the words is garbled.

Listen to Instructions
Some answering machines aren’t as simple as leaving a message and hanging up. In some cases, you must press the pound key after the message is complete, or dial a number to leave a message or a specific recipient. When leaving answering machine messages, make sure you listen to the complete instructions so you can be certain your recipient gets your message.