A Clearly Articulated Message

A Clearly Articulated Message Do you provide a clearly articulated phone message? When you call and leave a voice message, what impression do you leave? When you receive a phone call but arenot available to take the call, what impression will be generated when they listen toyour recorded message? Do you give as much consideration to presenting a good first impression with a clearly articulated message over the phone asyou would whenmeeting someone face to face for the first time? A bad first impression is just that and you dont get a second chanceat a first impression. It may bepossible tomove beyond the negative impressionbut not without agreat deal of time and effort sowhy not do it right from the start? It is a clearly articulated, confident message that will leave the best first impression. Consider a face to face meeting for the first time;a professional appearance, eye contact and a firm handshake are imperative. This is not so different than thatrequired over the phone. You will not give the same impression ifyou are sitting in your pyjamas with your feet upwatching TV as you will ifyou are in professional attire andfocused on relayingaclearmessage with confidence and without distractions. It soundssimpleso why do so manypeople fail terribly at generating a good first impression over the phone? Most people are unaware of the impact a phone message or conversation can have on a first impression which is clearly evidenced by a resounding lack of considerationin preparedness or articulation. Do you put your best voice forward to generate an impressive and positive first impression? If your next job interview is over the phone,as many are today, will you be heard and stand out above your competition? Call now andlisten to your own voice message. Is it your voice? Does it sound professional? Is it a clearly articulated message that invites thecaller to leave a message? Is it short and concise or is it so long that the caller will be more apt to hang up than wait for the opportunity to leave a message? When you are calling someone, are you prepared? Do you know who it is you are calling and what questionsyou want to ask? Are the questions valid or was the information available on the websiteright next to thenumber you found to call?If you are leaving a recorded message, willyour name and number be easily decipheredfrom your message? Of course you began your message with your name and number but did yourepeat your name and number at the end of your message? You did leave a message to explain why you were calling, right? If you haveactually connected with a real personat the other end of the line do you make a point ofsmiling when introducing yourself? If leaving a message, areyourwords clear and spoken slowly enough for the person to be able to write down your name and number? Didyou offer to spell your last name? No one taking a message appreciates,hell know who it is. The intended recipient checks in for messages only to be toldJohn has called. Who the heck is John?! DO NOT assume.Even if the person you are leaving the message for has your number, DO NOT say, she has my number!Why would you take the time to explain that someone has your number rather than relaying yourphone number?You can be assured that the messages with aname and number will be the ones returned first.There is no excuse for not leaving your name and number unless you can say, its his mother calling!. Sopick up the phone and call yourself. Listen carefully to your message and respond with amessagethat you can listen to and evaluate. What impression are youleaving? What impression is your resume generating? Receivea free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer and find out if your resume has what it takes to get you in the door.