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What are the Best Tips for Voicemail Etiquette?

Dan Cavallari
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,715
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Leaving a voicemail can actually be somewhat stressful for people who feel awkward talking to a machine. In business settings in particular, one might feel obligated to speak a certain way or refrain from saying certain words. Fortunately, voicemail etiquette is quite similar to that of other forms of business communication, and as long as the person leaving the voicemail speaks clearly and leaves pertinent information on the recording, voicemail etiquette is, for the most part, being effectively followed. One should remember to be brief, accurate, and well-spoken when leaving a business message, and when leaving a casual message, one should also be sure to follow voicemail etiquette and be brief and clear.

When leaving a message, the primary goal is to convey a brief description of who the caller is and where the caller can be reached in the future. The person receiving the voicemail cannot obtain this information if the caller does not speak clearly. One should not rush through the message; he or she should speak clearly and give only basic information that the person receiving the call needs in order to get back to the caller. Leave a phone number on the recording, and be sure to enunciate clearly so the person receiving the call can understand it.

On business calls, voicemail etiquette dictates that the caller not be too casual with the person receiving the call. The caller should think of the voicemail as an interaction with the actual person; he should think about how he or she would interact with the person receiving the call if it was a face to face interaction and speak accordingly. Slang, cursing, and excessive familiarity should be avoided, though this does not mean the caller must sound cold and detached. Everyone receiving a voicemail will react more positively to a bright voice than to a cold or angry one, so be bright but polite.

To follow voicemail etiquette, one should also avoid lengthy voicemails with excessive details and rambling diatribes. The voicemail is not the appropriate forum to expand upon a topic in need of discussion; rather, it is a way to communicate to another person that a face to face or phone conversation is necessary. Brevity can enhance a business relationship rather than hinder it, and one should not expect an immediate response from the person being called. The idea of a voicemail is to leave a message, not start or continue a full conversation.

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Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

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Discussion Comments
By truman12 — On Jul 24, 2012

What is the etiquette for leaving voice mails of a personal nature on someone's work voicemail? Can they get in trouble for the things that are left on their voicemail? Is that sort of thing monitored in any way?

By backdraft — On Jul 23, 2012

@clippers - I completely agree. I have a friend who I love but she leaves the longest most ridiculous voicemails you have ever heard. And I would like to just ignore them, but she sprinkles the most important details all throughout her little rant so you end up having to sit through the whole thing no matter what.

By clippers — On Jul 23, 2012

The best tip is to be brief. No one like to slog through a voice mail that is minutes long. Be direct, to the point and clear.

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
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