A good friend and co-worker recently gave me a tip on how to leave a great phone message that I'd like to pass on to you. Using this technique allows you to effectively communicate your message and contact information in an easy way that can be notated and recalled. There is a simple format for the message in this easy four-step script:

1. "Hi My name is____."
   
2. "My phone number is 555-444-1-2-3-4."  Say each number out. Five-Five-Five-Four-Four-Four-One-Two-Three-Four.
   
3. Leave your message.
   
4. "Please call me back at 555-444-12-34." This time group the numbers. Five-Five-Five-Four-Four-Four-Twelve-Thirty-Four. 

My colleague says to leave the phone numbers in two different ways because people receive the information differently, and it will stick with the receiver better one way. It doesn't matter if you say them individually or group them first. What matters most is that you say your phone number in both ways in the message.

By leaving the number twice you are giving a person the opportunity to write the number down and check it the second time.

A third benefit is saying your phone number at the beginning of the message and getting it out there in the event that the listener doesn't make it to the end of the message to hear your number. 

In this day and age of caller ID, you may not think this is as valuable as it once was, but people still do need to write down phone numbers. Not only are you helping the listener, but you are also aiding in the perception of yourself because it makes you look courteous, polished and thorough by having good voice mail etiquette. I hope you enjoy another career tip to help you on your journey to personal success through effective communication.