No outgoing voicemail? Or one that hasn’t been updated in years?
That is sending a message. And not a good one.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Most people don’t have an outgoing message. Or, if they do, it’s missing even the basics, such as their full name.
It starts like this:
“Hi! It’s Rebecca! Leave a message!”
For a personal phone? Fine. For a professional? Not Fine.
Your Outgoing Voicemail Is:
➡️ An opportunity to connect and inform.
➡️ Your digital real estate.
➡️ Your vocal handshake!
And yet… people skip it. Or record it once, then forget it even exists.
I’ve always said, “How you say your name is a window to your self worth.” How you say your name is one of the most important aspects of any introduction…including your voice mail.
Say your name clearly and slowly with emphasis and warmth. Place a downward inflection on the last syllable to sound confident. SMILE as you record to capture warmth.
Allow the ESSENCE OF YOU to come through your recorded voice.
Here’s a simple script:
“You’ve reached the voicemail of First Name // Last Name with Company Name. Please leave a message and I’ll return it at my earliest opportunity.”
📏 less than 30 words
⏱️ 12 seconds
🗣️ Designed for clarity, warmth, and confidence
Don’t let an automated voice speak on your behalf. Your voice deserves the spotlight!
So ask yourself:
- Do I have a voicemail message?
- When’s the last time I listened to it?
- Does it reflect who I am and how I work? If not, change it.
Re-record until you like what you hear.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to listen to people’s voice mails and provide feedback.
When giving feedback, I’ll be direct and specific: “The voicemail did not sound like you. It was too stiff. Try again and this time, relax, smile, and speed up the pace a bit.”
Taking the time to dial in your virtual real estate pays off.
Until next time: Stand out. Speak up. Showcase your vocal shine!
