Record answering machine messages and funny voicemail messages

If it's always up to you to deal with the task of recording answering machine messages, then read on for some ideas and tips on how to do it right. Some people find it easier to leave funny voicemail messages to break the ice.

If funny voicemail messages aren’t your style, use more formal answering machine messages to present yourself in the most pleasant way possible. Remember that communicating over the phone leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation, so put some thought into the message you want people to hear.

Voicemail greetings can be a warm introduction to a business or a family. Keep in mind that amusing voicemail greetings aren’t always funny to everyone, so be tactful and use tasteful humor.

Check out the following article for advice on recording answering machine and voicemail greetings.

General Tips

Whether your voicemail system is used for personal reasons or business, there are always general rules that apply to recording answering machine messages.

Always be appropriate and friendly, you don’t want to scare anyone away!

The most important thing to remember is to relax and be yourself. People will feel more comfortable communicating with you and will likely want to leave a message.

Business Machine Messages

Before recording your answering machine message, identify what information is appropriate to your business.

Are you a doctor who needs to be available for emergencies? Then leave information as to when you will be available for your patients. Are you in constant contact with your voicemail, or do strict hours apply?

It's important to project a good image for your business and how efficient and organized you are counts, even on an answering machine. Let your customers, friends and acquaintances know that you've got it all together.

Visit our Buyers Guide

Consider asking people who call to leave these elements in their voicemail message:

• Detailed message
• Name and Number
• Extra contact numbers

Remember to clearly state your business hours and procedures, so that there will be no miscommunication.

Personal Machine Messages

When you record a personal answering machine message, you can relax just knowing that calls will not be missed.

First, decide which part of your personal life you’re representing. For instance, is this an answering machine for a family, for friends, or for the general public?

Consider which service you're using:

• Pager
• Cellular phone
• Home phone
• Voicemail

If it’s a family phone then you will want to greet people using your last name, so as to include everyone in the family.

On a pager message, let them know that you’ll be getting right back to them. It's always a good idea to include your cell phone number on any answering machine message, in case the call is an emergency.

Remember the best tip of all; have fun recording your messages and don’t take yourself too seriously!