[smeej]

If you might ask to call, just ask to call. "Hi! I have a question about X that would be easier to explain on a call. Do you have time to hop on a call for 5 mins?" is a better way to start the conversation by a factor of about 10,000.

You can even send this to 3 or 4 people and let anyone who doesn't respond first say you caught so-and-so first and are good to go now. Or just delete the message.

[Chris2048]

I would not send out multiple "Do you have time to hop on a call for 5 mins?" b/c then they might call me before I delete the message.

[reg_dunlop]

You don't have to answer every call you receive.

Then, you could send another completely Async communique detailing why you did not answer, which would then teach the other person to respond with a yes/no/silence/emoji, etc

[smeej]

Who on earth calls without confirming you meant right now?

But even if it happens, take the call, decline any others that come in, and explain in 5 minutes. You've still saved everybody time.

[vundercind]

Who doesn’t let the person who requested the call initiate the call?