"I've always dreamed of being an old philosopher. So far I've achieved one out of two!"

Gerry Reid's Professional Development Tip

Leave Excellent Voice-mail Messages.

Virtually everyone has some form of voice-mail or answering system for their telephone. Nothing is more frustrating than to have a rapidly spoken name or number whiz by so fast that the recipient fails to get it down completely or accurately. End result is more than just frustration: it is a waste of precious time to have to repeat the message, sometimes several times to get the information captured.

Whenever you leave a message for someone, be certain to speak your FULL name and phone number SLOWLY. If you naturally speak fast, this may take some concentration. I state my full name immediately at the start of a message. (It is amazing how many other Gerry's, Jerry's and Geri's that person may know!) If the person I am calling does not know me, I spell my name out (slowly) for them. When I leave my phone number, I say it slowly, as if I were writing down each number. In fact, if you want to be certain you are speaking slowly, actually do that - write each letter of your name and each number of your phone number as you say them. I then leave the number again at the end of the message, this time spoken at a natural speed so that the recipient can verify the number they have written down.

"Hi, Marilyn. My name is Gerry Reid - G, E, R, R, Y, - R, E, I ,D. My number is 2, 1, 4, 5, 5, 2, 4, 4, 8, 7. I am calling you about . . . . . .. Please return my call at your convenience. Once again, I'm at 214-316-1400. Bye."

or

"Hi, Bob, this is Gerry Reid calling. Would you please call me about . . . . .. You can reach me at 2, 1, 4, 5, 3, 9, 4, 4, 8, 7. Thanks - I'll talk with you soon.