This is an intermediate level English lesson for second language learners.

1. Leaving a voicemail
message
Created as a sample lesson by Ron Henson

2. Overview
 Ask students if leaving a voicemail message to a
person who can’t be reached is a widely accepted
way to communicate in their culture.
 In North America leaving a voicemail is widely
accepted and not returning a voicemail message is
considered unprofessional.

3. Objectives
 The students will understand the basic elements of
a good message
 The students will write a message
 The students will listen to the other students leaving
a message
 The students will practice speaking (by leaving a
message)

4. There’s a difference
between a message and a
greeting

5. Some services have a live
connect feature for callers
with an urgent matter
 Students will listen and will be asked what was the
difference between this and the previous message.

6. Agree or Disagree?
1. It’s a good idea to spell out your name when you leave a
message. Offering words for each letter of your name. For
example, My name is WANG, W as in water, A as is apple,
N as in Nancy, G as in Garry”) helps avoid misspellings.
(agree or disagree)
2. You should always speak as fast as you can when you
leave a message. The mailbox space might be limited. (agree
or disagree)

7. Agree or Disagree?
3. It’s okay to engage in other activities, e.g.: eating, chewing
gum or typing when you leave a message.
The won’t be affected (agree or disagree)
4. It’s helpful to update your voicemail greeting at work every so
often, especially before you go
on business trips or vacations. (agree or disagree)
5. When leaving a message, you should specify the way and time
that are best to contact you if
you expect a call back. (agree or disagree)

8. Evaluating a Message
1. Hi. This message is for Mr. Miransky, grade 4 teacher.
I’m calling to let you know that I can
volunteer to accompany the kids on the field trip on March 2
to the Greenville Art Gallery. Please call me back
to confirm the details. I’m not available Monday from 10 to
about noon, Wednesday from 1 to 6,
Thursday from 5 to 7 and won’t be in Tuesday this week.
Please give me a call as soon as possible
as I’m on vacation starting next week.

9. Leaving A Voicemail Message
Imagine that when you try to contact a person or business, there is no one on the line and you
hear their voicemail recording. Leave a short but informative voicemail message that would best
reflect the nature of your
call.
1. Your son has a cold and can’t go to school today. Call the school absence line and notify the
office of his absence.
You should leave a message with the following information:
Name: Daniel Chavez
Home Teacher: Ms. Polanski
Room Number: 225
When you dial your son school number, you hear the following recording:
This is Roseland Public School. To speak to a secretary, please press 1. To report a student
absence please press 2.
After the beep, leave the following information: student name, teacher name or room number and
the reason for
the absence. Thank you.
Your message:

10. Leaving A Voicemail Message
2. You had a tooth filling done last month. You paid for the dental work with your
credit card, but had to be
reimbursed 80% of the cost by your insurance company. Call your insurance agent to
inquire when you’ll receive
the check. You should leave a message with the following information:
Doctor Name: Dr. Addison
Employer Name: KELCO Industries
Benefit Plan Number: EOOO543F16
Cost of Filling: $108.25
When you dial your insurance agent number, you hear the following recording:
Hello. You’ve reached Lora Hernandez at Great West Life Insurance. I’m either on
the phone or away from my desk. Please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you
within the next business day. Thank you and have a nice day.
Your message:

11. YouTube Example
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-i3haCQNiA