I've heard on some people's voicemail message," I will get back to you at my earliest convenience". Which seems a little rude. I always say when I leave messages," Call me at your earliest convenience. Which is proper usage in terms of etiquette
2006-07-22 05:24:56 · 27 answers · asked by JenniferE 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I agree that it does come across as rude if someone's outgoing message says, "Leave a message and I'll get back to you at my earliest convenience." My ex had put that on his voice mail at one point, and I wondered if he was trying to give people the impression that he's so busy and in such high demand for his time and attention. It comes across as much more humble to say, "I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
When leaving a message and asking someone to get back to me, I will ask them to call back at their earliest convenience, or to call and arrange an appointment that is convenient for them, etc.
By talking about what is convenient for yourself, you imply that you are more important than the other person; conversely, when you defer to what is convenient for the other person, you come across as more flexible and considerate.
2006-07-22 05:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by HearKat 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not rude. The phone is there, hence the voicemail, for the convenience of the person who owns it. Just because someone leaves a message doesn't mean the person is required to drop everything and return the call. All she's saying is when she has a convenient time to sit down and pick up the phone, she will.
2006-07-22 06:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by misslabeled 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first message is not rude because you're going to call that person back when it's convenient for you. I think that the first one sounds better. Or you can say, "leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible."
2006-07-22 05:26:02 · answer #3 · answered by finesthaitian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that when you're LEAVING a message, asking someone to call you "at their earliest convenience" is proper.
When you're leaving a greeting on your voicemail, though, all you need to say is "leave your name, number, and time of day that you called, and I will return your call as soon as possible".
2006-07-22 05:27:09 · answer #4 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Call me at your earliest convenience" sounds better. But then why would they be leaving a message if they have to call you back at their earliest convenience. "I will get back to you at my earliest convenience" sounds more rude but it means that you have to call them back. Why don't you try this. "I'll call you back as soon as I can." sounds less rude but it also takes care of you calling them back.
2006-07-22 05:33:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it would be over sensitive of someone to get upset over the use of the phrase. "At my earliest convenience" just means as soon as possible. It doesn't (or shouldn't) mean that the caller isn't important, just that the message receiver isn't available.
2006-07-22 05:29:57 · answer #6 · answered by Gwen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think "I will get back to you at my earliest convenience" sounds rude, I'm guessing you'd be totally appalled if you heard my current message which is "We might call you back."
2006-07-22 05:29:45 · answer #7 · answered by WhyAskWhy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not use either one. The answer message on my machine simply gives my number and invites the caller to leave a message if desired. If I leave a message on someone else's machine. I tell what they need to know and if they wish to discuss the matter further they will call back.
2006-07-22 05:28:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're talking about 2 different things, one is listening to a message and the other is leaving one. But, it is proper to have an outgoing message that says "I will get back to you..." or "I will call you back...." Sometimes you can contact others in other ways, not just calling; "I will get back to you" may mean by e-mail, in person, or a phone call. Even when you leave a message it is proper to say "call me..." or "please get back to me.." What bugs me is when my message isn't even gotten back to when they say that is what they plan on doing!
2006-07-22 06:21:04 · answer #9 · answered by Goldenrain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about "proper etiquette" but this is what I say on mine. Hi! You have reached the desk of Miranda last name. I'm currently unable to to answer the phone but if you will leave me your name, your number and a short message I will return your call as soon I get in! If you need to reach me now my cell number is 555-5555. Thanks for the call and you have a good one!!
2006-07-22 05:33:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋