Leaving a voicemail message is a simple thing to do. Leaving an effective one is more of a task and takes some skill. The challenge of it is that you have a very short time to deliver an effective message. There are key elements to an effective voicemail that can get the caller to call you back. With a little bit of practice and training, you can leave effective voicemail messages.

1. Grab their attention.

Grab the attention and interest of the person you are calling so that you do not run the risk of being dismissed. Avoid sounding like you are just making a sales call. Letting them know you reviewed one of their products of that someone gave you their name and you have a question for them can create interest for them to call them back as they will wonder what your question is.

2. Give them a reason to call you back.

Provide a hook, a good reason for them to call you back. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself what is in it for them. Will they get something beneficial out of it if they call you back? Having a good hook will get you a returned call.

3. Keep it short and sweet.

You can keep it short but still deliver the intended message. In a microwave society like ours, you will be dismissed if you do not get to your point quickly. A lot of phones today alert the calling to how long the voicemail message is and if it’s too long, they just might hit the delete button without even listening to your message. So, keep the message less than 30 seconds.

4. Relax and speak clearly

Relax and do not rush your message. Maintain an even tone of voice, speaking clearly so that you are easily understood. Your voice should flow freely, and you should sound confident. Speaking to quickly will give the impression to the caller that you had better things to do and you were just rushing to get off the phone.

5. Repeat your phone number and name.

Provide your phone number and name at both the beginning and the end of your message. Sometimes lines can get static or cut in and out. Repeating your number and name will help insure the caller gets the correct contact information.

6. Work from multiple scripts.

If you work from multiple scripts, it will change things up and will keep you sounding fresh. Writing down what you want to say before you make the call prevents you from stumbling and keeps your message short and to the point.

For additional tips and learning regarding Tampa corporate training, training Tampa, coaching and customer service, training seminars and e-learning, see www.zimtechtraining.com.