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Lasting
Impressions
"We were very satisfied with the
first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified,
enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."
Participants from
(Richmond) City University
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"The
Etiquette
Advantage" is a
free monthly online newsletter from 1st Impressions, Inc.
It is geared for those who want to enhance their
self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass
their competition.
This free subscription newsletter should come to you only if you have
requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia
Whitaker or
her business, 1st Impressions, Inc.
Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
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We live in a world of answering
machines and voice mail. This is especially true in the business world.
How many
of us find ourselves playing "telephone tag" with each other. By the
time
you actually speak with the person you were trying to contact you've
left
2 or 3 messages. In those short message exchanges, the party on the
other
line has already formed an opinion about you based solely on your
speaking
voice. In order that people form a good image about you here are some
tips
which will can help your spoken image.
When leaving your message:
Speak slowly and clearly. Speak as you normally would but just a little
slower and be careful with your enunciation especially if you are
calling another part of the country. Consider spelling out a word or
name that may be misunderstood or has a unique spelling.
Always include your telephone number in the beginning of the message.
Your contact, even a familiar one, could be traveling and may not have
it
handy. Say the number slowly and in the groups in which they are
separated.
For instance: 804...pause...301...pause...5962. Repeat it a second time
at
the end along with the best time to reach you.
When you must make several points during a voice mail, jot them down
before placing the call. This will help you stay on track and avoid the
embarrassment of calling back with, "Oh, I forgot to tell you one more
thing." Keep the points short and have no more than two or three.
The point of voice mail is to get your story across in 30 seconds and
give the listener a reason to call back
Most message systems give you the option of listening to your message
and editing it. Take advantage of this opportunity to listen to
yourself
to see if your tone and inflection match the mood you want to create.
On your out going messages:
Make sure your greeting is short but very professional. Write it down
and practice your greeting several times before you actually record it.
Play it back and listen to your own speaking voice. Is your message too
fast? Is it too slow? When you record your message, do so with a smile.
You will sound more caring and interested in the caller.
Give your caller options. If you will be out of town and can be reached
via email, say so, or indicate when you will be back in the office.
Post
a note to remind yourself to change your voice mail greeting as soon as
you return.
And of course, return every call the same day or within 24 hours -
especially with your customers or clients. Voice mail should not be
used as a substitute for actual phone conversation.
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1st
Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops on
professional
presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing
skills and dining etiquette. Clients include corporations,
professional associations, community organizations, churches,
government agencies, and universities. Individual private coaching is
available and there is also a special program for teens. 1st
Impressions, Inc. provides the finishing touches that will enhance your
professional image.
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