During the recording session, we focused on several specific points:
- We deliberately slowed down the speaking pace when mentioning the email address and opening hours, so callers grasp the details right away.
- We directed the voice actor to speak with a slight smile, creating an approachable sound without sounding overly cheerful.
- We chose a recognisable Flemish voice actor such as Veerle or Serge, which immediately feels familiar to Belgian callers.
The result: callers stay on the line and leave a message
As soon as the new audio files went live on the phone system, caller behaviour changed noticeably. Instead of hanging up in frustration, callers left their name and number calmly.
A well-crafted phone greeting works just like the lighting in a reception hall: when it is set properly, no one notices the lamps, but everyone feels instantly at ease. Voice audio works the exact same way. It builds trust quietly in the background.
A director's tip for recording voicemails
As a voice director, I see the same mistake in the studio all the time: rushing. A common pitfall is trying to squeeze every piece of information into a single breath.
Our practical tip is simple: always leave a full second of silence between the company name and the following instruction. To the speaker in the booth, that pause feels long and unnatural, but to the listener on the line, it gives just enough room to process the message.