It is what and how you say it . . .

Yes, people do still make telephone calls. They probably shouldn't, but they do. Here are some rules -- some new and some of long standing for dealing with the perils of voicemail.

Brevity is key. The average person can read a message at least three times faster than you can speak it, so most listeners find every second they spend listening to voicemail agonizingly tedious. One commonly cited maximum tolerable length for a voicemail message is 30 seconds.

Simplicity swings both ways. Having a short outgoing message is a simple but extremely important to avoid angering your callers. Don't fill your outgoing message with alternate phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Instead offer callers one alternative means of reaching you (either a cell phone number or an e-mail address, usually). If someone urgently needs to track you down, they will find you. If possible, let the caller know of another person in the office who they may contact.

Use the technology available. Most voicemail systems permit you to erase or otherwise "do over" a botched message. Don't be shy about punching the pound key (#) if you forgot to leave your area code or if you misspelled your e-mail address the first time around. Press the correct button (it's usually #) to access those "more options" that you normally don't inquire into, and you can leave a professional message sans flubs.

In recording your message, remember:

• Identify your name, organization, and telephone number in your outgoing message.
• State that you are not available and any other important information.
• Tell people how to leave an appropriate message.  That’s right, if you want good information, ask for it.
• If you prefer email, offer that as an option to callers.  If you have an unusual name or company name, spell out the email address.
• To cut down on repeat calls if you work in a high-volume call area, state that you will return calls within 24 hours or whatever time period your organization’s policy on return calls requires.
• If you update your message when you go out of town, don’t forget to update it again when you get back.
•  If your system allows callers to bypass your message by hitting the pound key, tell them that, especially if you have an unusually long message.