Understanding why we dislike our recorded voice
Many business owners put off recording phone messages because hearing their own voice makes them uncomfortable. That is a completely natural biological reaction. When we speak, we hear our voice partly through vibrations in our skull bones. A microphone strips away those internal vibrations, making your voice sound unfamiliar and thinner. It feels like catching a surprise glimpse of yourself in a harsh fitting-room mirror: suddenly you notice every flaw.
Once you realise everyone experiences this, the hesitation fades. Your voice is fine as it is. It is the structure and delivery of your message that make the real difference.
Tip: Accept that your own voice will always sound a bit strange to you, but remember that callers simply want to hear a warm, friendly voice.
Step 1: Write like you speak
Reading formal written text out loud rarely sounds natural. Write your script as if greeting a client at reception. Avoid stiff wording and keep it brief.
Here is a simple structure for a clear script:
- Greet the caller warmly and state your company name right away.
- Explain briefly why you cannot take the call.
- Tell the caller clearly what to do next, such as sending an email.
- Close with a polite sign-off.
Tip: Read the script out loud three times before recording and swap any awkward phrases for simpler words.
Step 2: Choose the right tone
The mood of your voicemail sets how clients feel when they miss you. A corporate service firm usually needs a calm, dependable tone, while a creative agency can sound more casual. The key is making sure the voice matches the rest of your brand communication.
Our platform features 93 professional voice actors who understand these nuances. Consider Eveline, one of our Belgian Flemish voices. She has a gentle, welcoming tone and records fluently in French, English, and German as well. That is ideal if you receive calls from multilingual clients.