How to Make Your Own Voice Mail

Greet callers with a welcoming, personalized voice mail message.

Using an automated voice mail greeting can be impersonal. Give callers a more friendly greeting by adding a personal voiceover to your phone's voice mail system. Most phones are capable of adding a personal voice message. The process allows users to record and erase a greeting until a satisfactory version is completed.

Things You'll Need

• Answering machine (if required for landline voice mail)

Instructions

1. For a cellphone, access the voice mail settings; the process will vary depending on the phone model. For a landline phone, access the provider's voice mail system if the phone line is equipped with one; some providers require you to dial a specific number to enter the voice mail system. Another option is to connect an answering machine to the phone line.

2. Listen to the options in the cellphone or landline phone voice mail system. Choose the option to change the voice mail greeting.

3. Follow the prompts to record a greeting. Many voice mail systems begin recording after a "beep" sounds. Speak the greeting you wish to use into the phone. Follow the prompts to end the recording. To record a greeting for an answering machine, refer to the user's manual; typically, the process involves pressing a button to start the recording process.

4. Review the personalized voice mail greeting. If it is satisfactory, follow the prompts to save the greeting. If you want to erase the message and record a different one, follow the prompts. When satisfied with the greeting, follow the prompts to save it.

5. Use a different phone to call the number for which you recorded the greeting and allow the voice mail system to answer. Verify that the greeting works properly, then end the call.

References

• Sprint: Nextel Phone User Guide
• Accessible Devices: Motorola Cell Phone Instruction Manual