Part One: Warm Up
Discuss the following questions with your partner(s).
- What is your preferred method of communication: text, phone, email, or social media? Why?
- Do you think what you have to say and who you're talking to influences what form of communication you use?
- When was the last time that you left a voicemail for someone? Are voicemails still a major part of communication for you? Why or why not?
- What would be some situations where you would leave somebody a voice message rather than send a text?
Part Two: Getting Ready to Speak
In this lesson, you are going to learn how to leave an effective voice message.
Leaving a voice message is much like writing a short email and therefore some aspects need to be considered.
- It needs to have structure. It’s important to make sure your message is clear and its ideas are well-organized.
- It’s short and direct. Long voice messages with too much information and/or not important information can leave a negative impression on the listener.
- There is a call to action. The listener should know what to do next or what will happen next.
Open the exercise and follow the instructions.
Exercise
Practise leaving voicemails using the prompts. If possible, record them and share them with your partner. Be sure to follow the structure and use expressions from this lesson. When you listen to your partner(s) recordings, take notes on the message and confirm the details.
Teacher's Note
If students don’t know how to do this on their devices, make sure to demonstrate. Whatsapp, or Messages on iOS are both good options. If they don’t want to exchange personal information, ask them to record a voice memo. If they don’t want to send the message via Whatsapp or any other app, this activity can be completed by turning from their partner(s) and speaking the message aloud to simulate a voice message where you can’t see the speaker’s face.
Message #1
- Reason for calling: suggest going to a star-watching tour on Friday night at 10:00 PM.
- Relationship: friend
- Feeling:optimistic about weather, hope your friend is free
- Call to action: call back
Message #2
- Reason for calling: thank for help with successful Save the River fundraiser you organized together
- Relationship: co-worker
- Feeling: proud to raise so much money, pleasure to work together
- Call to action: email ideas for next fundraiser
Message #1
- Reason for calling: invite to take a walk in the park together this evening at 6:00 PM.
- Relationship: neighbour
- Feeling: enjoyed visit aquarium together last week, hope to spend more time together
- Call to action: knock on my door at 6:00 PM if free
Message #2
- Reason for calling: give congratulations on getting a new puppy
- Relationship: cousin
- Feeling: optimistic that the dog will be a good addition to the family, hope that she doesn’t destroy furniture, looking forward to seeing her
- Call to action: send photos
Part Three: Your Turn
Plan your own message to record and leave for someone about future plans outdoors. Make sure you follow the structure and use some of the expressions for satisfaction and hope from this lesson.
When you’re ready, record your message and share it with your instructor for feedback.