I really have trouble ending phone messages to patients and their family members.
Usually I say something like: "this is Dr. fizzy calling from session such and such. I'd like to speak to you about such and such."
And then what do I say? Goodbye just seem so abrupt.
"Hope to hear from you soon!"
"Byie!"
"Laterz!"
No matter what I say, it always so awkward in my ears.
I usually go with "Ok, thanks for your time. All the best, bye." Or something like that, but not sure whether that's a bit British. Or sometimes "Is that ok then? Great. Goodbye." Or "See you in November then, bye". My favourite of yours is definitely "laterz"... :) Nikki
ReplyDeleteI worked in call centres leaving messages for a really long time. I would usually end like this -
ReplyDeletePlease call me back on (number) thank you.
There's no need to say goodbye. You are talking to a machine. It will not be upset with you, and the person who will be listening to the message might not even listen to the end of the message, especially if they know the number they need to call.
In that same vein, I do not say hello, either. It will usually be This is NAME from XYZ, Please call me back on (number) thank you.
:)
In the olden days, I had a doctor whose outgoing message said "this is Dr x speaking to you by recording." I always thought that was so cute.
ReplyDeleteI think most of my docs now just say please give me a call at 8675309iiiaine to discuss whatever. And then thank you.
Have a great morning, afternoon or evening!
ReplyDeleteI think a "Thank you" after leaving a callback number is fine, and if I'm just leaving information and do not expect a callback, I usually go with "Take care."
ReplyDeleteI work in a pharmacy, and I usually go with "Thank you sir/ma'am. Have a nice day!" But I'm in high school, so that could be different.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the simple 'thank you'. The Medic Mind
ReplyDeleteMy go-to phrase is "thanks so much, bye." I live in fear that one day I'm going to say "love you" in a voicemail to a patient...although since nowadays I leave a lot more voicemails for patients vs. family members, maybe it's not as likely as it used to be.
ReplyDeleteI have the opposite fear. That I'm going to be ordering pizza and start my order with, "hi, this is dr. Fizzy."
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