IS there any research on the best length to keep a voicemail within to increase the likelyhood of people listening to it?

I honestly can't say that there is any research on this topic. But with a degree in communications I can tell you what DOESN'T work. Nearly everyone has had experience using an answering machine or leaving a message on one, the caller no longer needs to be instructed to 'wait for the beep'.

Nor does it make sense to repeat your phone number on the outgoing message. You don't need to announce that you're not at home for a couple of reasons. 1) Safety.

Thieves love hearing that you are away or out of town. 2) Perhaps you ARE home but simply can not get to the phone at that moment. Simple and polite is the way to go.EX." (or ) I will return your call as soon as I can, please leave your phone number.

Thank you. " Don't rely on caller ID--not all phone numbers are displayed.My ex-husband has an outgoing message on his business line and his cell phone that repeat his phone numbers twice, his web site with the spelling of his last name and instructions to wait for the tone. Too much and too long!

If it's for a business line, the outgoing message should thank the caller for calling "The Wild Jungle Pet Store", for example. List business hours and a polite, "we'll call you as soon as possible. " Short and sweet.

Are you still there? Did you finish reading my answer?

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.