ABSTRACT
This chapter examines why voice mail, while popular, has limitations in acceptance and use. The caller is faced with two different speech events in voice mail: recorded message and message left. While voice mail does put more control in the hands of the callee than do regular telephone conversations, it also removes some of that control. Voice mail systems give more control of communication to the callee, in fact in the workplace, replacing the secretary who screened unwanted calls. Many of the problems associated with voice mail are the result of lack of familiarity with the medium. While people are adapting to this medium of communication, from the variety of message types it is clear that no norm or genre has yet emerged. For some, voice mail and answering machines are an efficient method for doing business and therefore the language style is professional, informative, but friendly.
