How and Why to Send LinkedIn Voice Messages

Imagine opening your LinkedIn inbox and discovering a message that immediately stands out, not just because of the words but also due to its unique delivery - a voice message warmly addressing you by name. This personalised touch goes beyond novelty. It's an exceptionally powerful tool for fostering authentic connections and ensuring your communication leaves a lasting impression.

The warmth and sincerity conveyed through a human voice can create a sense of immediacy and personal engagement that's hard to achieve with text alone.

Understanding LinkedIn Voice Messages

LinkedIn voice messages offer a multi-sensory experience, engaging both the auditory and emotional faculties of recipients. Unlike text, which can sometimes come off as sterile or impersonal, voice messages carry nuances, such like tone, pitch, and emotion, that resonate more deeply, making the interaction feel more genuine and immediate. They capture attention in a way that plain text rarely does, allowing your message to cut through the digital noise.

But the benefits extend beyond novelty. For instance, speaking allows you to convey complex ideas more fluidly. Instead of meticulously crafting lengthy paragraphs, you can effortlessly explain intricate concepts and provide detailed feedback in half the time it would take to type it all out. From a practical standpoint, voice messages are efficient, offering a streamlined way to communicate without sacrificing clarity or depth.

Furthermore, voice messages help you stand out in an overcrowded professional space. In a sea of text-based emails and messages, your voice becomes a memorable signature that recipients associate with you personally. This differentiation is particularly valuable when networking or during job searches, as it signals effort and authenticity, qualities highly prized in professional settings.

Let’s not overlook the role of trust-building here. A study highlighted that people are more likely to engage positively when they hear a human voice, which is often perceived as warmer and more sincere than written communication. Voice messages reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, as nuances in speech better convey intent and emotion compared to ambiguous text.

Best Practices for Creating Effective LinkedIn Voice Messages

Incorporating voice messages effectively requires a mix of strategy and finesse. Here are some tips to ensure your voice messages hit the mark:

1. Be Clear and Concise.

Before recording, outline your main points. Maintain professionalism and respect the recipient's time by delivering your message concisely and without rambling.

2. Maintain a Professional Tone.

Striking a balance between friendliness and professionalism is key. Your tone should align with the context of your relationship with the recipient.

3. Personalise the Message.

Customize each message based on recent activities or specific interests of the recipient. Referencing shared experiences or mutual connections can enhance engagement.

Consider various scenarios where voice messages prove exceptionally effective:

Networking Follow-Ups

After meeting someone at a conference or event, a follow-up voice message can rekindle that initial connection with added warmth and personalization.

Thank You Messages

Expressing gratitude for endorsements or recommendations via voice adds a layer of authenticity. “Hi [Name], I wanted to personally thank you for endorsing my skills. It means a lot.”

Cold Outreach?

A voice message can significantly warm up cold outreach efforts. Introducing yourself vocally makes the interaction feel less transactional and more like a genuine conversation starter.

Project Collaborations

Coordinating project details or brainstorming ideas with voice messages can enhance clarity and foster a collaborative spirit.

Technical How-To Guide

Sending a voice message on LinkedIn is straightforward:

1. Open the LinkedIn app and go to Messaging.

2. Select or start a new conversation.

3. Tap the microphone icon and hold it while you speak. Release to send, or slide away to cancel if unsatisfied.

LinkedIn Voice Message Etiquette

Real-life success stories highlight the impact of voice messaging. Clients appreciated the personal touch and felt more connected, leading to stronger business relationships and increased sales. However, it's essential to navigate voice messaging with etiquette and privacy considerations. Ensure your timing is appropriate, keep messages concise, and avoid sharing sensitive information unless secure measures are in place.

Analysing responses and iteratively improving your approach will enhance the effectiveness of your voice messages. Encourage feedback, monitor engagement rates, and refine your strategy based on what resonates most with your recipients.

Voice messages bring a refreshing, human touch to LinkedIn interactions, making them an invaluable tool in your professional arsenal. By adopting this innovative communication method, you can build deeper connections, establish trust, and distinguish yourself in a crowded marketplace.

Ready to give it a try? Leave a comment and send try sending your first LinkedIn Voice message to Nathan Clarke or another valued connection.