77% of people believe that a phone call is the most efficient way to get business done. But have you got the right call handling protocols in place?
The simple truth is that you need to be more aware of what you’re leaving for other people to hear. Sure, this doesn’t always register as a priority for users, but it’s never too late to reassess your greeting. a. Reading/Speaking in the Imperfect Tone: Tone is absolutely everything. Users don’t want to come off as being too nice, as it sounds insincere, or being too terse, as it can be interpreted as being rude. That being said, striking the right balance is absolutely essential. Your greeting exists as its own entity, and therefore, it should NOT rely on callers’ familiarity with you. Instead, it needs to appeal to the masses. As such, your inflection, i.e. the way you state your name and directions, needs to be both welcoming and firm. b. Injecting Humor & Insincerity: While humor/light heartedness can be welcoming, it can also convey a sense of informality, insincerity, and ultimately unprofessionalism. Why, because you’re not there to lend your humor or to contextualize. Instead, you’re assuming the caller has a working knowledge of your personality to ground the message. Though this might not sound like it’s all that terrible—it can be detrimental. As stated above, one should NEVER rely on a caller’s familiarity with you. Instead, aim to appeal to the masses. Humor is ultimately subjective, meaning not everyone has the same tastes; therefore, someone is bound to be turned off by a quirky or off-color remark. While implementing a light-hearted or even tongue and cheek tone can work, it’s just a really bad idea.

Other employees can set up extension mailboxes individually; however, an office administrator can set up two or more mailboxes and navigate between them.
Voicemail will give you a brief description of the three steps involved in setting up your mailbox - setting a passcode, recording a greeting for your callers and recording your name. "Enter digits for your passcode." Your security code may not be less than four digits and no more than fifteen digits. For security purposes the system will not accept codes which are consecutive, sequential or your extension. Voicemail will repeat your passcode to you. Remember to keep this passcode secret and to change it regularly. (We recommend monthly.) "Press D" (the 3 key on your dial pad) to discard your greeting and record it again. When you are satisfied with your greeting and have pressed "X" (the 9 key on your dial pad) to save it, you will hear... "Recording complete." Next, you will record your name so that you and your callers hear your name in your voice. When Voicemail says, "Press D" (the 3 key on your dial pad) to discard your name and record it again. Voicemail will close out your session by reviewing your name and passcode. You are now ready to begin using your new Voicemail. ALWAYS PRESS X (the 9 key on your dial pad) TO EXIT THE SYSTEM BEFORE YOU HANG UP!! Questions or problems with voice mail can be directed to JMU Telecommunications at 568.6471. Hours Alerts Seaver Caruso Law Graziadio Business GSEP Public Policy University WaveNet Courses Email Kronos Printing Mail Services Housing Maintenance Request Dining Meal Plans Student Health Center Counseling Center Campus Shuttle International Programs OneStop Academic Advising Student Success Center Writing Center Dean's Office Tech Central for Students Tutorial for Courses Seaver Faculty Association Campus Recreation Housing & Living Community Student Activities Spiritual Life Hub SGA Spring Break Fraternity & Sorority Life Health Center Counseling Center Shuttle Services Academic Calendar Academic Catalog Academic Policies Course Schedules 1L Grade Distribution & Class Ranks Program Learning Outcomes Global Programs Writing Center Law Library Student Administrative Forms Student Accounts Office of Financial Assistance Transcript Requests Career Development Marketing and Communications Faculty Support Services Information Services Around Malibu Student Policies Student Bar Association Student Organizations Student Boards Moot Court Academic Advising Academic Calendar Accreditation and Assessment Career Services Outcomes and Disclosures Part-Time Students Full-Time Students Executive Students Online Program Students Student Clubs and Organizations Housing and Residence Life Campus Recreation Student Employment Student Discounts Career Services Student Success Student Accounts Academic Affairs Enrollment Analytics Administration Marketing Communications Information Technology Dissertation Support Writing Support MFT Practicum Preparation MSBP Practicum Preparation Honor Societies Graduation Libraries Records and Enrollment Parking Information Career Services Financial Aid Student Accounts Student Services Student Employment Faculty Resources Staff Resources Housing for GSEP Students Honor Society Spiritual Life Education Student Groups Psychology Student Groups Pepperdine Apps Academic Calendar Libraries Study Labs Transcripts Public Policy Student Housing Financial Aid Internship Database Search Professional Development University International Travel Policy Career Services Clubs & Organizations Spiritual Life Student Employment Health Center Institutional Review Board Libraries Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Technology and Learning Housing and Residence Life Step Up! Pepperdine Spiritual Life at Pepperdine Hub for Spiritual Life Center for Faith and Learning Business Intelligence Business Services Campus Operations Campus Recreation Counseling Center Digital Signage Health Center Planning, Operations, and Construction Department of Public Safety Student Employment Center for Sustainability Auditing Services Corporate and Foundation Relations Finance General Counsel Human Resources Integrated Marketing Communications Information Technology Department of University Events University Committees