I have an answering machine that I use primarily (or only, I should say) for
screening calls. I don't like to screen calls, but where I use it (in my
college dorm), most of my calls are either prank calls or telemarketer calls.
However, I don't want to seem rude, nor do I want to drive away wanted
callers or give people the idea that I'm not there. I would like to know
what kind of message I should leave on my answering machine. Until now, I
have been using
"Hi, this is Andrew. Please leave your name and a message after you hear the
beep, and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Thank you."
However, I don't think that this effectively states my point. What I'm
really trying to say is something like
"Hi, this is Andrew. If you're a telemarketer or you're making a prank call,
then hang up now, because I don't want any &*@%. Otherwise, say so, and if I
have no problem with what I hear, than I'll answer the phone."
Of course, I don't want to say it like that. It should be more like
"Hi, this is Andrew. I am available, but due to recent pranks and
telemarketers, I need you to state your name and purpose of calling before I
can answer the phone. Thank you."
I also think this sounds a little bit rude. This seems like a strange
question to ask, but is there any rule of etiquette that tells you how to say
that you are accepting all calls except pranks and telemarketers?
Andrew Vieira
