For many years the voice mails I've left are very close to the format Sig2340 laid out. And, if I expect a specific detail(s) in their response, I include it in the message. Sometimes successful, sometimes not.

I almost never leave voicemails unless it's something work related to the outside world, and 99% of the time, all those communications are done via email.

Work related stuff to colleagues is email or text...or just walking down the hall to find them.

When I do leave a voicemail, I provide my contact info, as appropriate, and some message about why I'm calling, even if it's "returning your call". I usually provide my availability for a follow-up call as well.

Hello, my name is Will G...my number is .......a brief message, and again, my name is Will G...my number is ....thanks and have a good day.

Unless it's family, I'll say something to the effect "It's me, nothing important, call me when it's convenient, thanks"

If it's important, I'll state that to family members coupled with a quick text.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
What chaps my backside is when people rattle off their phone number as fast as they can, as though I've heard it a thousand times and then, don't repeat it.

Yeah that drives me nuts. I say my name and number slowly and then repeat it a second time slowly.

Really the only time I leave a voicemail is for work and my calls are confidential and most times I am not certain the voicemail is tied to the person I need to speak with so I only say who I am, my phone number, and I need them to call me back. I don’t leave details as to what it is about in case someone else has access to the voicemail.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:

quote:

Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Depends on who I’m calling. Family and friends? Absolutely. Everyone else is in a gradient.

This. Depends on what I require and how much they need to know.

Me too Same, but I think it is only polite to say my first name on calls & Texts..

Jeepers Mark, this post right after your gas pump post...take a chill pill dude!

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
If i want a call back I leave the reason for my call in voicemail.

Asshats who call me and leave nada get just that from me...nada.

Basically this.

Always include my name, callback number, and the reason for the call. It takes next-to-no time.

"Call me back's" left for me don't get a reply.

Reasons being:

1) I don't 'chat' (aka waste time discussing trivia) on the phone and my friends know this,
2) I have zero curiosity about other people's myriad possible motivations to call,
3) if the topic is important, they will call back and either reach me or leave a more info the second time, and
4) if it's not important/urgent enough for the caller to leave information in the first place, it's definitely not important/urgent for me to need to call them back.

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
Jeepers Mark, this post right after your gas pump post...take a chill pill dude!

Maybe he got a crappy VM while waiting for the pump LOL

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
Jeepers Mark, this post right after your gas pump post...take a chill pill dude!

Well, while I was considering one, it brought to mind the other.

I’ve been working on my patience since 1983. I see that I’m failing miserably. Thanks for listening.

IF personal, sort of. I say if it is important, or not important. I might even give a 15 second preview of the conversation I'm seeking. MOST of the time I don't leave a voicemail, I hang up and text a quick note.

IF professional, I always say something. Often, the something needs to be said carefully so as to allow the client some professional privacy. I always repeat my name, company name, and office phone number with extension at least 3 times. Once at the beginning and twice at the end, slow enough for most people to write it down.