I have a few more tips on my blog, but here are a couple important items:

• As David says always repeat your phone number when you give it. Not many people can remember ten digits plus your extension number.
• Enunciate! Nothing is worse than someone slurring through a message. If you have an accent then work hard to speak clearly
• Speak slowly. Most phone systems now allow...

Totally off topic here, but I figured I'd give it a shot ... David - could you share the source of the background music that plays between segments in the "getting things done fast" tape series. I find that it really gets me inspired to do the kind of thinking needed for high productivity. If not, other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I start and end voicemails with my name and number. Those people who listen to their voicemail with a pen in hand get it up front, and have it verified at the end of the message. Those who wait until halfway through the message to grab a pen don't have to repeat the message just to get my number. I've never had someone tell me it was overkill, and I've never had someone not call me back because they couldn't. :)

David here - RJS - sorry, I have no idea the source of the music on those tapes.

When listening to a phone # and needing to hear it over - as I do often! I use 7 which winds back a few seconds on the message, no need to replay the whole thing. I imagine US phones might be different but that is what it is in NZ.