Voicemail Basics
Useful Phrases
Talk Structure
Mistakes to Avoid
Connectors & Language
100

What’s the first thing you should say in a voicemail?

Start with name/purpose

100

Say one way to politely make a request

Could you please…

100

What should you do before you start your talk?

Make a plan

100

True or False: You should speak as fast as possible

False

100

What’s a connector to show contrast?

However, but.


200

What kind of tone should a voicemail have?

tone should be polite/formal/informal depending;

200

Give a closing phrase for a voicemail

I look forward to hearing from you

200

What is one way to compare two ideas or people?

On the other hand…

200

What’s wrong with saying “Hey bro” in a formal voicemail?

Too informal


200

What’s a connector to list ideas?

First, then, finally

300

What do you do if you forget a word mid-voicemail?

if stuck—paraphrase

300

Say a phrase to introduce a reason

The reason I’m calling/writing is…

300

Name a phrase to introduce your opinion

In my opinion…

300

What happens if your message is too short?

You lose marks

300

Give a synonym for “nice”

Pleasant

400

How long should a voicemail be in the OTE?

~60 sec

400

Say an expression to suggest something (informal)

How about…

400

Say a phrase to justify a suggestion

This would be helpful because…

400

Name one informal expression to avoid

“Gonna,” “Wanna” / writing i instead of I

400

Give a connector to add information

Additionally

500

Name 3 parts every voicemail should include

parts: opening, message, closing

500

Say a phrase to respond positively to a suggestion (informal)


That sounds great!/ That sound fantastic!

500

Say a phrase to transition between two main ideas

Moving on to the next point…

500

What happens if you don’t organize your message well?

It becomes confusing for the listener

500

Give a formal alternative to “I think”

In my view / I believe

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