Something I've just GOT to know...

Could someone tell me, please, just how difficult it is to leave a proper telephone message? I've never found it difficult - and, if you're using an automated calling system, there's NO excuse whatever for not Doing It Right.

To leave a proper telephone message, include the following as a minimum:
- Your name
- The organisation you're calling from (if applicable)
- Who you are calling for
- Why you are calling
- Your callback number
- Date and time you called
- Times you are available to receive calls

Easy, right? I learned this stuff in middle school - if not in grammar school! - and it's served me well over the years.

So, I am forced to wonder. Laziness, or lack of education? Both?

Oh - and if a significant portion of your work duties includes interacting on the telephone with the public, might I suggest you work on thinning your accent? I really don't mind hearing English with an accent (there are even some I find quite enjoyable with certain - granted, usually female - voices!) but if I have to have you say everything twice and I still have to decipher what you're saying on my end, it needs work. I don't care where you're from, I don't care what other languages you speak. I really don't. I just need you to speak intelligible English while you're here, so we can communicate. I do my best to make sure you can understand me when I'm speaking - I merely ask the same courtesy of anyone who is talking to me in return. If this marks me as "hopelessly provincial," so be it. I don't see any reason to change - and if I were in another country, they'd expect the same thing of me. If it can be turned around and still seen as a fair deal, it's a fair deal, right?