More Effective Voice Mail

Repeat your phone number when you leave a voice-mail message. Many people talk too fast, and force the recipient to replay the message to "catch" your number. Repetition of the number is good communication.
Keep your own "Greeting" message short. Many messages are too long and include information that is obvious, like you're not there!
- If you have a direct line, or are accessible after hours, you can update your message, to let people know that you are away, and when you will return.
- Normally, use something like this as the core: "This is the voice mail of Mary Smith, please leave your message after the tone."
- You could soften this by adding that you will get back to them as soon as possible. (Although it's probably an obvious detail!)