Voice memos have truly changed the game for how you can communicate with someone on Instagram or through text. When done correctly, you can get your message across much more clearly and efficiently.
In episode 101 of the GUIDE Culture podcast, Macy shares why voice memos are so powerful, gives an example of a really well done voice memo and shares 4 things that you can START or STOP doing in your voice memos.
4 Things to START and STOP Doing in Voice Memos
1 – START WITH A PURPOSE
We know it’s natural to start with a fluffy statement like: “I was just scrolling and saw you pop up and thought I should message you.” OR “I’ve been meaning to reach out about x.”
What sounds MUCH better to the person on the receiving end is when you start with your purpose and say “I came here to tell you…”
Think about it, what’s better? An old friend showing up at your door because they were ‘just in the neighborhood’ OR an old friend ringing your doorbell saying “I came to your house just to see YOU!”
The latter will always win!
2. AS FEW WORDS AS YOU CAN, AS MANY AS YOU MUST
We know it’s tempting to give ALL the details because you don’t want them to miss a single thing. Sending multiple, minute long voice memos is NOT the move.
Sending fewer, shorter voice memos sharing SPECIFIC details that apply to that person rather than sharing all of the details is always a better choice.
You DO NOT need to fill up the entire 60 seconds. Let’s say you have 3 points that you want to get across – a good thing to do would be to send 3, 30 second voice memos so that the person that can follow along with easily and doesn’t feel bombarded with information.
3. CUT THE SMALL TALK (honestly, no one likes it anyway!)
Again, it’s very natural to start with “Hey, I hope you’re doing well and having a great Friday!” It’s also very cliche and expected which can cause people to zone out, ultimately losing their attention.
When you start with the point of your message, you will stand out and they will not have to search for the point you’re trying to get across.
4. STAY ON MESSAGE
Have you ever been watching Instagram stories and someones dog is barking or their kids are running around in the background? Maybe you didn’t even notice UNTIL they brought attention to it.
DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR APOLOGIZE!
Whenever you bring things like this up – whether it be the barking dog, wild kids, messy kitchen or crazy hair – not only are you losing the attention for your actual message, you are suddenly making it all about you when it should be all about THEM!
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Believe it or not, all of the things that you THINK people are paying attention to, they actually don’t even notice. Stay focused and proudly deliver your message.
-MM
