| Leaving Voice-Mail Messages That Get Returned | | | | active from dawn to dusk. To get returned, your |
| | | | | message must be so compelling that it wins out |
| Have you been playing “phone tag?” You | | | | over the 15 other urgent things needing attention. |
| know the routine: you call and leave a message, | | | | Yet, many messages do not even come close to |
| the other party returns your call and leaves you a | | | | addressing the specific needs, desires, wants, and |
| message, and on and on. By the time you | | | | concerns of the person being called. |
| actually speak with the person you were trying to | | | | |
| reach, you’ve left two or three messages. | | | | - When you find yourself calling several times, try |
| | | | | this strategy: Clearly and briefly mention how |
| Don’t despair! Use each message to give the | | | | your product or service can resolve each of your |
| listener another opportunity to see that you are | | | | listener’s “pains.” Refer to a different |
| the trusted advisor that he/she wants on his side. | | | | problem each time you call. |
| | | | | |
| With those recorded messages, the party on the | | | | - Include very brief pauses after expressing |
| other line has already formed an opinion about | | | | important ideas. This allows the listener time to |
| you based solely on your speaking voice. People | | | | process and hopefully remember the idea. This |
| “hear” your intellect, your personality, and | | | | can be particularly useful if you are requesting |
| even your manners through the tone of your | | | | information from the person you are calling. Give |
| voice. How do you increase the odds that your | | | | them enough time to write it all down. You are |
| message will make a positive impression and be | | | | more likely to get reliable, accurate information. |
| returned? | | | | |
| In order to leave a lasting impression and get the | | | | - Leave your name and telephone number again |
| results you want, you must make developing | | | | at the end of your message. |
| good voice-mail techniques a priority. Whether you | | | | |
| want to establish a great relationship, make the | | | | A little preparation can lead to being heard and |
| big sale, land your perfect job, or make a good | | | | getting results. You dramatically increase the |
| impression on a potential client, there’s no | | | | likelihood that your calls will get returned and your |
| substitute for preparation. It’s all about your | | | | outcomes will be achieved when you leave a |
| content and delivery. | | | | concise, rehearsed message with a bright and |
| Here are some great tips for leaving effective | | | | voice. |
| messages: | | | | |
| - Know what you want from your listener. | | | | Remember: According to a recent UCLA study, |
| Write down in one sentence what action you | | | | 84% of your message is conveyed by the quality |
| want to put into motion by your message. A | | | | of the voice and the intelligibility of the speech |
| well-written action step can effectively state your | | | | when selling by phone. Pitch, tone, inflection, and |
| request and move your process forward, avoiding | | | | pronunciation can make the difference between |
| that frustrating game of phone tag. | | | | an unreturned message and a chance to close |
| - Organize your message so that you state the | | | | your sale. |
| most important information first, since you may | | | | |
| be cut off at any time. | | | | Accent On Business founder and CEO Ellen |
| | | | | Dunnigan is a seasoned voice and speech coach |
| - Speak clearly and not too quickly. Pronounce | | | | for business professionals. For nearly two |
| your first and last names clearly, spelling your | | | | decades, Ellen has coached leaders, entrepreneurs, |
| name if people may not recognize the spelling. | | | | sales people, media personalities, amateur |
| The person you are calling could become annoyed | | | | speakers, and those with voice issues to become |
| if you make them replay the message because | | | | more charismatic and influential. She is locally and |
| they could not understand it. Planting your feet | | | | nationally known for helping leaders give voice to |
| firmly on the floor as you speak will help you | | | | their vision, and for creating confident, |
| sound more confident and authoritative | | | | memorable, and credible speakers. |
| - Place a small mirror on or next to your desk | | | | |
| and look into it when leaving voicemail | | | | Ellen Dunnigan is a masters prepared |
| messages. A smiling face leaves a much | | | | speech-language pathologist with specific training in |
| brighter-sounding message with a 72% greater | | | | voice, English, foreign-accent reduction, and |
| opportunity of being returned. | | | | neurolinguistic programming. She is nationally |
| | | | | certified by the American Speech-Language |
| - State your telephone number clearly, pausing | | | | Hearing Association . |
| briefly wherever a “dash” would be in | | | | |
| your telephone number. It doesn’t hurt to | | | | Dunnigan offers more advice on professional |
| repeat it, either. | | | | communication and public speaking skills on her |
| | | | | website |
| - Get to the point. Know when to stop talking. | | | | For more information or to schedule an interview |
| People will appreciate your brevity! Most | | | | or consultation with Ellen Dunnigan, call (317) |
| messages do not get returned because people | | | | 218-5111. |
| are simply very busy. Many of us are frantically | | | | |