18. "Hi, you've reached [your name]. I'm away from [date] to [date]. If you need help with [X] before then, please contact [name] at [phone number]. Everyone else, please leave your name and number and I'll return your call when I return. Thanks and have a great day."
Here are some proven techniques for how to leave a voicemail message that gives you the best chance of getting a call back: Say the person's first name ONLY. Say your first name only followed by your company name. Keep your voicemail brief and urgent. Leave a reference name of a person and company you've worked with. How do you answer the phone professionally? Promptly answer calls. The average ring takes 6 seconds. Be warm and welcoming. Introduce yourself and your business. Speak clearly. Do not use slang or buzz words. Ask before you put people on hold. Don't just put calls through. Be prepared for your calls. How do you greet a client over the phone? Answer your phone with a "Hello" if you don't know who it is. Greet the caller by name if you know them. Use informal language with family and close friends. Introduce yourself by name when you call someone else.

In order to ensure customer satisfaction, it is not only important how a business records their outgoing voicemail greeting, but also how they respond to incoming messages. It has been reported that most individuals do not mind leaving voicemail messages, but they can often become frustrated and disheartened when a business does not return their call in a timely manner or ignores the voicemail altogether.
Rehearse or write down your message before recording it. Remember that old saying “practice makes perfect?” It’s certainly true when it comes to creating an electronic greeting. The more you’ve rehearsed, the easier the message will be to restate. If you don’t have time to practice, writing down the greeting before recording it – and then reading it aloud from the paper – may help you stay focused on the correct wording.