Voicemails! A relic from days when our mobile devices were not always in the pocket. And yet, in this digital age of endless chats and emails, leaving a good ol’ fashioned voicemail continues to be an essential art, particularly for our professional lives. If you find yourself grappling with creating an effective message that doesn’t end up being a one-way ticket to the “delete” bin, worry not! Bojangles is here with some unconventional, yet handy tips on how to nail it in the world of voicemail.
Timing Is Everything, Son
If you’ve been under the illusion that everyone loves hearing your voice nonstop, boy oh boy, are you mistaken! We live in an age of instant gratification – nobody’s got time for drawn-out rants or sappy sob stories. Keep it concise: No more than 30 seconds. Yes, that short. You might think this is not enough to convey your message, but trust the old southern fox, less is often more. It ensures the recipient listens till the end, increases response rates, and boosts chances of your message being returned or actioned.
The Art of Being Upfront
As a wise old southern grandma used to say, “Get to the point quicker than lightning strikes oak.” Starting with formal pleasantries like “Hi, this is Bojangles returning your call” might not always work. State upfront why you’re calling and the expected outcome. Remember, we are saving precious seconds here! It gives the recipient a clear idea of what they can anticipate from you. Be specific; mention date/time if discussing appointments or deadlines for responses.
Speak Clearly and with Enunciation
Enunciate, my friend. No one wants to play a game of ‘Chinese whispers’ with their voicemail messages. Pronounce words clearly, project your voice, and pause slightly between phrases for ease of understanding. There’s nothing worse than receiving an important voicemail only to play it thrice over because you couldn’t decipher a single word!
Personalization Counts
Avoid generic greetings such as “Hello, this is Bojangles calling”. Instead, provide some context about who you are and how the person might know you – “Hi John, this is your old pal Bojangles from high school”. It’s like putting a friendly face to the name. This way, they’re more likely to feel connected and inclined to call back or act accordingly.
Call During Off-peak Hours
Just as you wouldn’t want your favorite restaurant flooded during rush hours, others may not appreciate being hit by multiple urgent calls. Try calling outside normal work hours. The golden rule of thumb here is before 8 AM or after 7 PM. Remember, people are generally more responsive and relaxed in their leisure time, making them more likely to attend to your message diligently.
Be Human! Add a Touch of Personality
No one likes a monotonous, robotic voice droning on and on. Inject some personality. You’re not just sending words floating into the ether, but creating an impression. If humor suits your context or tone aligns with professionalism, feel free to let some character seep through. After all, we remember individuals better when they leave lasting impressions, not monochrome monotony.
Finally, once you’ve left your voicemail, trust that you’ve done your best and let go. Worry won’t help in retrieving missed calls; it only ties our tongues tighter. Remember, these are tips, not rules set in stone. Voicemails, while effective, aren’t the only way to reach out professionally today. Use them judiciously and adapt as per the scenario, much like using different spices in cooking to enhance flavors.
So there you have it – a recipe for voicemail success! Apply these tips wisely and watch yourself navigate that phone maze with charm and ease. Now get out there, dear folks, and spread your charm over those phone lines!