Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which of the following actions is inappropriate when leaving a message on someone's voicemail system?

1. Keep the message as short as you can

2. State the most important part of your message last

3. Anticipate that you might be forwarded to someone else's voice mail system

4. Be clear about what you want the receiver of your message to do

The correct answer is: State the most important part of your message last

Stating the most important part of your message last is inappropriate because it undermines the effectiveness of communication in a voicemail context. When someone listens to a voicemail, they might not stay engaged until the very end, especially if they are busy or the message is lengthy. By placing the key information at the end, there's a significant risk that the recipient will not hear the crucial details, such as a request for a callback or specific actions to be taken. Effective communication, particularly in voicemail messages, requires that important information be presented upfront to ensure it captures the listener's attention and encourages a prompt response. In contrast, keeping the message short, anticipating being forwarded to someone else, and clearly stating what you want the receiver to do are all best practices for efficient voicemail communication. These practices enhance clarity and facilitate better response rates.