How to record an effective LinkedIn voice message
Crafting the perfect voice message isn’t just about talking; it’s about engaging, building rapport, and delivering value. Here are some tips to ensure your LinkedIn voice messages are effective:
1. Ask for permission
Before sending a voice message, ask for permission. This helps soften the cold outreach and makes the prospect more receptive to your message. You can say something like, “Do you mind if I send a quick voice note?”
2. Keep It short and sweet (but valuable)
Your voice message should be concise—around 30 seconds. People are busy, and while they appreciate personalized outreach, they don’t want to spend too much time listening. Focus on introducing yourself, stating the value you bring, and prompting a call to action.
Example: “Hey, this is {{YourName}}, I noticed you’re leading the sales team over. I wanted to reach out because I think our {{product/service}} could help you streamline your team’s prospecting efforts. I’d love to connect and chat more about how we can help. Let me know!”
3. Use a friendly and positive tone
Tone matters. Make sure you’re upbeat, friendly, and approachable. If you sound enthusiastic, it’s more likely that your prospect will be intrigued and willing to respond. Smiling while speaking (even though they can’t see you) makes you sound more engaging.
Tip: A friendly tone is key, but don’t sound too scripted. Make sure the message feels natural, like you’re speaking to a friend.
4. Focus on the value
Be sure your voice message clearly articulates what’s in it for them. Focus on how your service or product solves a problem they may have or adds value to their daily work.
Example: “I see you’ve been working on increasing sales productivity. We’ve helped businesses like yours cut down prospecting time by 30%. I’d love to chat about how we can help streamline your outreach.”
5. End with a call to action
Always finish your voice message with a call to action. Whether it’s scheduling a demo, booking a call, or simply replying to your message, make it clear what the next step is.
Example: “Let me know if you’d like to hop on a quick call to explore further. Looking forward to connecting!”
6. Follow up
If you don’t get a response right away, follow up with a polite message asking for feedback or simply reminding them of your offer.
7. Avoid jargon
While it might seem tempting to dive into industry-specific terms or your product’s technical aspects, remember that your voice message should be clear and accessible. Keep it simple and focused on the prospect’s needs.
Typical mistakes to avoid when recording a sales LinkedIn voice message
Even though LinkedIn voice messages are a powerful tool, they can backfire if not used correctly. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Talking too fast or too slow → If you rush through the message, it becomes hard to follow. On the other hand, a slow, dragged-out message will lose your prospect’s attention. Maintain a natural, confident pace.
- Being too scripted → Reading off a script can make your message sound robotic and impersonal. Instead, aim for a conversational tone, as if you’re leaving a voice note for a colleague.
- Skipping personalization → A generic pitch that could apply to anyone will get ignored. Mention the prospect’s name, company, recent achievement, or pain point to show you’ve done your homework.
- Focusing on yourself → Prospects don’t care about your product’s features right away. Focus on their challenges and how you can help solve them. Make it about them, not you.
- Ignoring audio quality → Background noise, poor microphone quality, or unclear speech can make even the best message ineffective. Record in a quiet space and listen back before sending.
- Forgetting the follow-up → A single voice message rarely closes a deal. Always follow up with a LinkedIn message, email, or call to keep the conversation going.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make your LinkedIn voice messages more engaging, professional, and likely to spark real conversations.
High-performing LinkedIn voice message scripts
When it comes to LinkedIn voice messages, your window to make an impression is incredibly short — often just a few seconds. That’s why high-performing voice message scripts follow a clear formula: they grab attention upfront (often by highlighting a pain point), briefly introduce the value you offer, and close with a clear, low-friction call to action.
Below are five effective LinkedIn voice message scripts you can adapt for different sales situations, whether you’re reaching out cold, following up, or nurturing existing connections.
The pain point opener
Most people respond when they feel understood. This opener immediately calls out a common struggle, making it relatable.
“Hey {{FirstName}}, I know a lot of {{JobTitle}} struggle with {{Problem}}. We’ve been helping teams tackle this and actually turn it into a growth opportunity. Let’s connect for a quick chat — would love to share what’s working for others.”
Why it works:
- Acknowledges their challenge upfront.
- Positions you as someone with a solution.
- Makes the conversation about them, not you.
The value teaser
People are busy, but they’ll make time if there’s clear value. This one hints at quick wins without giving too much away.
“Hi {{FirstName}}, I’m reaching out because I have a few ideas that could help you {{achieve a specific goal}} faster — and with less hassle. It’s worth a 5-minute conversation. Let me know if you’re open to it.”
Why it works:
- Offers a specific benefit.
- Emphasizes ease and speed.
- Creates intrigue without pressure.
The curiosity hook
Nobody likes being pitched, but everyone loves discovering something useful. This script leans into curiosity.
“Hey {{FirstName}}, I just came across something that I think could make a real difference for your team. It’s not a pitch — just wanted to see if you’d be curious to hear more. Let me know.”
Why it works:
- Feels natural, not salesy.
- Sparks interest without commitment.
- Encourages a response based on curiosity.
The industry insight angle
People want to stay ahead, especially if their peers are talking about something important. This one makes them feel ‘in the loop’.
“Hi {{FirstName}}, I’ve been speaking with a lot of {{Industry}} leaders lately, and a common theme keeps coming up — [trend or challenge]. I thought it might be relevant to your team too. Worth a quick conversation?”
Why it works:
- Positions you as someone with insider knowledge.
- Creates urgency if it’s a trending issue.
- Feels conversational rather than promotional.
The straightforward invitation
Sometimes direct is best. If your offer is solid, just put it out there—no fluff, no gimmicks.
“Hey {{FirstName}}, I’ll keep this short — I specialize in helping companies like yours {{solve problem or achieve result}}. If you’re even slightly curious if we could help, I’d love to have a no-pressure conversation.”
Why it works:
- Gets straight to the point.
- Removes hesitation (“no pressure”).
- Appeals to those who prefer clarity over persuasion.