Etiquette for a Man's Voicemail Greeting

Record your own voicemail greeting. To avoid confusion, do not use a computer-generated greeting or have someone else record the message for you. Callers looking for John Doe may think they have the wrong number if they do not hear a man's voice on the recording. Men should use the same etiquette for voicemail that they do for other communications and keep in mind that personalized messages are always better received than generic ones.

Before you record your voicemail message, write it out and practice reading it aloud several times until you are comfortable with the script. When you are begin recording your message, pause for several seconds before speaking. Remember to talk slowly, clearly, and with a pleasant tone of voice.

In your outgoing voicemail message, first provide full name and the name of your department or company so the caller knows they her or she has reached the right party. Next, let your callers know your status. If you have left the office for the day or will be out of town, let them know when you will return and when your caller should expect you to get back with him or her. If you have an associate, assistant, or operator who may be able to assist your caller while you are out, leave that person's name and extension in your voicemail message as well.

In consideration for your callers' time, try to limit your outgoing voicemail greeting to twenty seconds or less. Change your voicemail recording regularly and remember to update it when you get back to your office after an absence.

Men leaving voicemail.

Etiquette for voicemail is similar to that men use every day for other verbal communications: speak clearly, slowly, and succinctly. Your voicemail should include your full name, telephone number with area code, and the time and date of your call. If you are calling on behalf of your business, also provide the name of your company.

Always say why you are calling, but keep your voicemail short. It is good etiquette to limit yourself to one or two points. If your message is lengthy or complicated, consider writing it out before leaving voicemail. At the end of your message, it is good etiquette repeat your name and telephone number and let the recipient know the best time to reach you.

Many voicemail systems give the option of reviewing your message; take advantage of this feature. If you realize your message was unclear, be sure to record your voicemail again.