How to Save Yourself From Voicemail Disasters + Tips to Delete Voicemails
It seems we never run out of ways to embarrass ourselves these days. Yes, almost all of us are guilty of leaving voicemails which should NOT have been listened to..
Maybe you had one too many glasses of whiskey, and really needed to let your ex know you’re doing great Luckily, she doesn’t pick up, but you feel the need to leave her a 10-minute voicemail. Nice work.
The next morning you realize the mistake you’ve made and pray she hasn’t opened it yet. You search the internet and ask your peers how to delete voicemails from someone else’s voicemail box – but it’s too late.
The truth is, you can’t delete a voicemail from someone else’s voicemail box once you have recorded it and hung up. So whatever you need to do has to be done BEFORE hanging up. Here’s how you can save yourself from those accidental voicemails that you wish you had never sent in the first place.
How to Erase or Re-record Your Voicemails
The trick is to stay on the line even if you’ve already recorded the message. Never make the mistake of hanging up, as you will never be able to save yourself! So what should you do?
Step 1: Access Recipient’s Menu
You may be able to delete or re-record your message by staying on the line even after you have recorded your voicemail.
You will need to access the voicemail menu of your recipient for deleting or re-recording your voicemail. Try pressing * or # on the dial pad to access the menu. This works for both mobile phones and landlines unless the recipient has changed the options.
Step 2: Listen to the Menu
Now listen carefully to the voicemail menu, looking out for the delete or re-record option. Each carrier will have a different process, so make sure you pay attention. If you can’t seem to locate the options, you can try the following for common carriers:
- For Verizon, use *P
- For T-Mobile, use #, followed by 3P
- For Sprint, use * or #, then punch in 3P
- For AT&T, use *P
Step 3: Delete or Re-record
Once you have found the delete or re-record option, choose one. You can either delete your message completely or record a new message. Be sure to properly word your voicemail this time so that you don’t have to repent later on!
Now you know how to take care of the situation once you have already left your voicemail. But adopting a few precautions and preparing yourself BEFORE leaving your voicemail can save you the pain of having to delete or re-record your message. We will show you exactly how you can leave top-notch voicemails and convey what you really need to.
How to Save Yourself from Voicemail Accidents
You may feel the need to erase your voicemail for many reasons, other than just trying to rekindle your old love! Maybe you are leaving a voicemail to your boss and you use inappropriate language in the heat of the moment. Perhaps you are sending a voicemail to your supplier and miss out important details. Sometimes you may not word your message properly, or you might leave a voicemail that is difficult to comprehend.
For all the above cases and more, preparing yourself and being careful will ensure that you only send professional and meaningful voicemails. Here’s how:
Step 1: Rehearse and Practice
Try to rehearse your voicemail as if you’re rehearsing for a play! Take a paper and write down all you want to convey in your voicemail. Word it properly, and give enough time to make it coherent and comprehensible. You can also read out what you want to express, as the process helps you in collecting your thoughts and putting them down in words.
Step 2: Read from a Note
Reading from a note will help you say what you want without any hiccups or interruptions. Call the person and keep your notes in hand. Once you’re in recording mode, read out from the note to sound as professional as possible.
Be sure to include all important details, like why you are calling, your contact number, your name and anything else that’s necessary. If you are following up a previous voicemail, say so. If you had been confusing in the previous voicemail, apologize and proceed with your message.
It’s better to say “I apologize” instead of “I’m sorry,” as the former is more effective in conveying your regrets without needing long explanations.
Step 3: End your Recording
The last step is to end the recording and save your voicemail. It’s a good practice to leave your contact number once again before you end your message so that your recipient can easily call you back.
Adopt Precaution while Sending Voicemails
Resist the temptation of calling people or leaving voicemails when you are too tipsy! The same applies when you are too angry or upset to speak without using hostile language or an accusatory tone. Prepare and leave your voicemails when you are in the right mindset so that you don’t need to search for ways to delete your message or re-record it!
If it’s too late, sneak into the person’s house, steal their phone, and destroy it. Just kidding. Think before you leave a message and you’ll be fine. Good luck!