I was thinking carefully about composing my newsletter "The Amazing Adventure!" when it struck me how many people tell me they hate listening to themselves on their voicemail. They cringe when they hear themselves on any recording.
Do you curl up and die when you hear yourself? Well you can comfort yourself with the thought that the sound you hear isn't you! Most recording functions deaden the higher and lower frequencies of your voice so that all you hear is the mid-range of harmonics. So not a rounded sound, then.
Second, do you smile when you record? No, I didn't think so. Many people feel self conscious about leaving their message and since the voice mirrors everything felt, they are likely to come across as embarrassed. Or worse, distant and even arrogant.
One of the maddening things I do is forget the message in the middle of recording so have to go through the long winded process one more time. After I have done it 4 or 5 times, I begin to sound fed up which also comes across in the message.
Who is likely to listen to your voicemail? A prospective client? An important investor? Well then, you have a vested interest in making your message sound as warm and inviting as possible. Especially since they are just receiving a rejection (let's face it, if you aren't answering your phone, then you are saying you are too busy to talk to them. And what is that if not a rejection?)
You'll have already guessed what I am leading up to. You need to prepare the message - even write it out. I'd recommend that you rehearse it again and again so that you know the gist. Try putting the emphasis in different places. And record and listen back so you find out what sounds better.
Try deepening your voice and inject some variety into your voice. Don't be afraid of exaggerating. The music in your voice will come across. Make sure that you are delivering it slowly so that someone who is listening to the message for a first time doesn't have to ring back just to absorb it - especially if you are giving an alternative phone number. Perhaps even pausing every so often so they can keep up.
And don't hesitate to repeat phone numbers either, especially since someone is struggling with a phone receiver in one hand and a pencil and paper in the other.
And SMILE! Even if you don't feel like it. The smile will come across and warm your voice up. It will make the listener relax and take in your message more effectively.
Yes I know many small businesses use a call answering service. This can be useful when people connect to your landline. However, there are some who have your mobile number and probably want to contact you personally. A call centre just won't do. So there are compelling reasons to get your voicemail sounding just right.
You are giving your listener an auditory present. Let them upwrap your message with pleasure!
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