Call it answering-machine angst: It’s that feeling you get when you’re leaving someone a message and suddenly realize you’re babbling, tripping over your words, or just generally not making sense. Of course, this realization usually makes matters worse as you struggle to recover (Jon Favreau captured this perfectly — and hilariously — in the movie Swingers). This can be particularly disastrous if the message is for a client or boss; it might cost you a sale or even a promotion. Fortunately, Lifehack.org discovered an easy way to redeem yourself:
The next time you leave a message on someone’s cell phone, press ‘#’ when you’re done. On 99% of cell phone carriers you will then be given an opportunity to listen to your message and, if needed, delete it to record a new one.
Sure enough, it works! I have to admit I didn’t know about this option, but you can bet I’ll be using it regularly. Read the full Lifehack.org article to learn how to improve your overall voice-mail performance. Then tell us about your most embarrassing message, the one you wish you could take back.
