Speaking · Free lesson
Leave a voicemail that invites a callback
You reach a voicemail greeting instead of a person. The listener cannot ask you to explain while you record, so give them enough information to act.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
A useful voicemail tells the listener who is calling, why, and how to respond. Try: “This is Dana. I’m calling about the book club. Could you call me back at 555-0142?”
Name → reason → callback request and number.
This is + your name is a natural way to identify yourself on the phone. I’m calling about + a topic gives the reason. Could you call me back at + a number tells the listener what you want them to do. These are useful building blocks, not a script that every message must follow word for word.
Compare the examples
Hi, this is Dana Lee.
I’m calling about Saturday’s book club.
Could you call me back at 555-0142?
I’ll call you back promises that YOU will call. Could you call me back? asks the LISTENER to call. The direction matters.
Build the meaning step by step
Who?
This is Dana Lee.
About what?
I’m calling about Saturday’s book club.
What next?
Could you call me back at 555-0142?
Try it now
Choose a useful voicemail line
Read all answers and explanations
You are Dana. Which line identifies you to the listener?
This is Dana calling.This is Dana calling identifies the caller. The other lines request or predict a call involving Dana.
You want the listener to return your call. Which line says that?
Could you call me back?Could you call me back? asks the listener to act. I’ll call you back commits the speaker to calling.
Which line gives the topic of your call?
I’m calling about the book club.I’m calling about introduces the topic. The number gives contact information; thanks does not explain your purpose.
Put it into practice
Repair an incomplete message
Dana wants a callback about Saturday’s book club. Add the missing identity and callback number; keep that purpose.
Hi. I’m calling about Saturday’s book club. Please call me back.
See a model answer
Hi, this is Dana Lee. I’m calling about Saturday’s book club. Could you call me back at 555-0142?
Other wording can work too. A complete message preserves the caller, purpose and requested response.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Must I say “This is” rather than “My name is”?
Both can identify you. This is is especially common on the phone; My name is also works when introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Dana Lee. I’m calling about the book club.
Do I need to explain the whole problem?
Usually a short purpose and a clear request are enough to begin. Add a specific deadline or availability only if it matters to the callback.
Could you call me back before Friday?
Take it into your day
A callback request names the action and gives a usable way to respond.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
Make everyday calls easier.
The available English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader conversation and sentence-building foundations that support clear requests like these.
Explore the course English Master Course: English Grammar and English Speaking