| How many times have you tried to listen to voice | | | | 2. Say your name at the beginning and end of the |
| mail messages and had to play them back multiple | | | | message. |
| times to get the whole thing or pick out the number? | | | | 3. If you leave a call-back number, say it slowly, then |
| Do you get frustrated when people speak so fast | | | | repeat it. If your listener is scrambling for a pen or |
| that you can't understand what they're saying? Don't | | | | paper, this will give them a little extra time. |
| make your donors work that hard to listen to a | | | | 4. Don't ramble. Rehearse your message in your mind |
| message from you. | | | | before you place the call, just in case you have to |
| It only takes a moment to calm yourself before you | | | | leave a message. |
| pick up the phone to call a donor. Be prepared in | | | | 5. Stand up or lift your eyebrows when you're on the |
| case you need to leave a message. Think ahead | | | | phone. It lifts the tome of your voice and can help |
| about what you might say and even make a note or | | | | you seem more positive to the person on the other |
| two if you think you might need it. | | | | end. Nothing's worse than a message that sounds like |
| Here are some tips for leaving an "easy to hear" | | | | the caller is on their deathbed or couldn't care less. |
| voice mail message: | | | | 6. Be friendly and personable. No need to be all |
| 1. Speak slowly and clearly so that your message can | | | | formal. After all, you're all about building relationships |
| be easily understood. | | | | with your donors, right? |