Positive and Memorable Voicemail Impressions

Have you listened to your outbound voicemail greeting(s) lately?

These days the first impressions we make are often voicemail impressions: by way of our outbound greetings and the messages we leave for others. We are just as likely to get voicemail, as we are to get the person live. Think of the times you've been scripting the message in your mind, when the person your calling answers, catching you completely off guard.

The best outbound greetings are short, sweet and considerate of the caller. When you record your outbound message, imagine how you want your most esteemed contact to be received. The following are my top tips for making positive and memorable voicemail impressions.

* Make sure there is no background noise.

* Smile while you record your greeting; believe it or not, your recording will be warmer and more inviting.

* When you say your name, pause between your first name and last name The pause is for clarity and emphasis.

* Don't apologize. No need to say "I'm sorry" for not being by the phone to receive the call. It takes away your power, and doesn't necessarily make your voicemail guest feel special.

* Let the caller know that they are important to you. "Leave a short message and I'll get back with you at my earliest convenience..." misses the mark by a bit. I invite my caller to leave a message of any length. I've heard that it makes folks feel special. Consider phrases like "Your call is important to me" ; "I will call you back as soon as I can"; "I will contact you just as soon as I can give you my undivided attention."

Similarly, when leaving a message for someone, be clear, concise, and considerate of the recipient. State your number twice, so the recipient has time to write it down. Remember that the fewer details you leave, the more likely you are to get a return call. And if you babble (we've all done it); hit star (*) or #3 to delete the message and start fresh.

Has someone ever made a memorable first impression on you via voicemail?

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Kali Raoul is founder and president of The Image Studios, a Chicago-based communication firm that specializes in personal branding and leadership presence. She blogs in “Successful Expression” to help you learn to communicate your true self.