While I'm studying voice over acting because I've been told I should and I can do character voices, accents, etc... I actually dislilke my own voice but I've gotten a lot of compliments on my voicemail alone!

• Posted by: Raj Singh
• July 17, 2009 4:03 PM

I've been doing my own messages since the days of the now ancient "micro-cassette". I usually come up with an idea and then improvise the actual performance.

• Posted by: Roger Price
• July 17, 2009 5:19 PM

I live in South Africa and have my own recording facility. I have been doing these for many years. The problem with the companies locally is the pay less than peanuts, and only one or two companies dominate the market. Who can suggest anything?

• Posted by: Pierre
• July 18, 2009 1:13 AM

I have a fair amount of clients that I am their "voice" for their phone promts, IVR and on-hold messaging. But for My own company phone, it's me - live! I market my services as available "last minute". A sizable proportion of my business is very much last minute. We all know if the client can't reach a voice talent when they need one, they move onto the next name they have on their list.

• Posted by: Al Gravelle
• July 18, 2009 3:02 PM

The vast majority of my work is in the voice mail industry, so my voice is absolutely on my own voice mail. My voice is also on the prompts for several systems, so my client's callers hear the same voice throughout. Most of the work I do is through files that I upload, but I also do them over the phone as well.

• Posted by: Laura Martin
• July 19, 2009 11:00 PM

Of course I record my own outgoing message! Why wouldn't I? If I'm selling my voice I want to take advantage of every opportunity to showcase it.

That being said, I don't make a big production out of the message. I'm running a business and I want to look professional. I keep the message brief and to the point because I know that people who call me are busy too. They aren't calling to listen to a lengthy comedy bit. That gets really old, really fast. Especially if you have to sit through it more than once. I think a little light humor is okay, but remember that jokes do get tired over time if you've heard them over and over.

I try to keep the message down to about 10 seconds; 15 max. I make sure to say my full name, thank them for calling, tell them I'm currently not available (as a safety measure, I NEVER say that I'm not home or anything to that effect), ask them to leave a message and promise a prompt response (which I deliver on!)

I also avoid telling people HOW to leave a message (i.e., "Please leave a brief message, including your name and number, after the beep.") People already know how to do this.

A larger concern of mine getting a higher quality recording on the voicemail system that the one you create through the tiny mic on your phone. Fortunately, as an iPhone user, there appears to be a way to upload audio files to AT&T's voicemail servers. I haven't tried it yet, but here's a link to the technique:
http://www.iphonealley.com/tips-and-tricks/use-any-audio-file-as-a-custom-voicemail-message

• Posted by: Kevin Walsh
• July 20, 2009 11:17 AM

How does one record an MP3 then put it on a regular home phone as the greeting??

Thanks,
Debbie Irwin

• Posted by: Debbie Irwin
• July 20, 2009 1:03 PM

Les Responses Pour Vous:

1. Do you record your own voice mail or have someone else do it? Why or why not?

I have my own voice for that is definitely my first and most important demos, secondly, I try to think as potential client would: "Why should I trust someone who does not trust his own voice to the do the job"? Lastly, I get exactly the tone I want and I am sure that it is loop free.

2. Do you script your voice message or do you improvise?

I try to get the points I want covered clear in my head and then I fire away, for it to sound more conversational. Still I do listen to it pretty carefully and make as many re-takes as may be needed till I'm happy with it.

3. How do you record your message (i.e. directly on the phone, record a file, etc.)

Straight onto the phone as I do not have the technology to do otherwise, but I take the phone into my booth to ensure the best sound quality possible given the means available.

Cheers!

Albert Canil
Vox Humana

• Posted by: Albert Canil
• July 21, 2009 9:59 AM