1. There is no need to say "This is a message for" unless it is a general mailbox. Otherwise, "Hi, (name of callee)" will suffice.

2. "This is (your name here)", followed by a brief explanation of why you are calling. If the voicemail system does not have a feature that allows you to key in your callback number, say this number slowly and clearly. Repeat this number once.

3. "Thanks."

4. Rinse and repeat.


The world can thank me later.

i never leave brief messages. i ramble. but at least i give the important info first and then fill up the rest of my time with blather. i ramble in a news journalist's pyramid style.

Anx said:

That is acceptable. This way I can hit delete once I have the pertinent 411.

i think it's important to keep talking until the machine cuts you off

i loathe people who just say, "call me". give me some reference, or expect to be called at my leisure. which may be next week.

IrresistibleB1tch said:

They're both kinda bogus, don't ya think? "At your convenience" is just redundant and if it's urgent, just mark the message so (or, if there's no such option, just say it's fucking urgent - not that that'll necessarily get me to return your call quickly ).

Ace said:

fair enough

XxAxX said:

My contempt for people who do this is exceeded only by my contempt for people who mark frivolous messages "urgent". I once knew a girl who'd mark her messages urgent and talk until she was cut off.

starkitty said:

Sing it, sister!

Anx said:

I do exactly the same thing. Who, what, when, where, why and how with all the details in between.

applekisses said:

In that case, I would hit "Delete" as soon as I've heard your name and number.

applekisses said:

i figure the machine gives me two minutes for a reason, might as well fill it up.

Ace said:

I would expect nothing less.

Anx said:

Do you ever get to the point where the machine is asking you if you need more time? I love that. It happened twice yesterday when I was leaving my boss a message.

applekisses said:

no, it usually hangs up on me without saving my ramblings, and i'm too spent to call back and go through it all again, so they don't get any message at all.

Ace said:

And I do not like the passive/agressive practice of calling (showing on the caller ID) and NOT leaving a message!

Anx said:

I wonder if mine have been saved.