The answering machine and voice mail -- are they the same thing? -- are great communication conveniences. For the caller, you can leave a message and avoid the hassle of repeatedly calling back.
And it puts the callee in control. You decide who gets to vault that personal screening wall you've carefully constructed. No time to deal with a chatterbox? Don't want to explain why you blew off the dental cleaning? Let the machine take the call.
However, I think there needs to be a manual on how to leave a message. Name and number are, of course, essential. But listen up, class. Can you say "succinct"?
Some people feel that beep is a signal for them to ramble endlessly. I have a few friends who've sowed the seeds for a new game show. All they need is Alex Trebek to make it work. Since I'm not answering the phone, they recite a litany of places I could possibly be and reasons why I'm not picking up.
Maybe you're out doing something fun -- or maybe I'm scrubbing the toilet. Maybe you're taking a nap -- or maybe I've run off to Vegas to be a showgirl. Maybe you're working late -- or maybe I'm in Oslo accepting the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wherever I might be and whatever I might be doing, I am not answering the phone so please leave a message -- a succinct one -- after the beep.
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