16. “Hello, you’ve reached [your name, the office of X company]. The team is currently out of the office, but we’ll be back on [date] stuffed with good food and eager to speak with you. Leave your name, number, and — if you’re so inclined — your favorite [holiday dish, Thanksgiving tradition, etc.]”
If you’re shopping for a new answering machine and a new phone, however, it may be more convenient to choose a built-in option. You’ll likely save some money by buying the two items together, and you won’t need space for two different appliances in your home. Many phones with built-in answering machines include multiple handsets so you can have a phone for two or more rooms in your home.

2. Focus on the conversation. Be absolutely present. Stop whatever you might be doing and take a brief moment to prepare. Wear the face that you want to project before picking up the phone. It makes a difference: whether you're smiling, frowning, or bored to tears, your caller will hear that in your tone. Refrain from clicking around on the Internet or distracting yourself during the call. If you aren't engaged, the caller will be able to tell.
You can also make use of a 3rd party option and use a crowdsourcing professional voicemail greeting provider such as Fiverr to record your voicemail greeting. Fiverr is flexible, fast and affordable and at just $5, you have the option of choosing between hundreds of professional voice-over actors who can record your script. You can also find professionals who can record voicemail greetings in various languages, accents, etc. at very affordable prices and deliver the recording within 3 working days or less.