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2. Check over your plan and make sure you've included your
name, the name of the person you're calling for (if it's a shared
line), the reason for calling, the time you called, what time the
receiver should call you back (not needed in some messages),
and your phone number (if you want them to call you back).
Be friendly, polite, and succinct, and make sure you get right
to the point.
3. If it helps, say your message out loud before you make the call.
If you don't like the way it sounds, you can always change it.
4. Pick up the phone, take a deep breath, and dial the number.
Make sure there isn't any background noise (turn off music,
any loud appliances, etc.).
5. Be prepared for someone to pick up. You can still follow the
outline of your message if it helps.
6. If you get the answering machine, wait for the beep, and then
say your message. Make sure you don't whisper, ramble, pause
unnecessarily, or add words like uh, you know, um, like... you
get it. Don't scream, but speak loudly and clearly, and
enunciate. Remember the overall impression that you leave
with your message. Your tone can be very important, the
reaction of who you called may vary depending on your tone
of voice. Such as: If you sound sad, the person may not call
you back or will call back being sympathetic or even prying to
find what was wrong. This can be annoying, especially if
nothing was wrong. Try to sound as normal as possible.
7. Say a proper goodbye or have a good ending to your message.
At the end of your message, consider adding something along
the lines of "Hope to see you soon," or "Have a great day."

TIPS

1. It might help to repeat your phone number, especially if the
caller doesn't know you well and might not have it on hand. Don't
say the number all at once- something like "You can call me back
at 123 (pause)- 456 (pause)- 7890"

2. Smile- it'll show in your voice.
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