There are three parts to a perfect on hold message: the script, the speaking tone and the written tone. And of course, there is also the music, which plays a big part in representing your business brand.
A well written script is the cornerstone of any great on hold message. It must capture the caller’s attention, so they remain engaged while navigating menu options or waiting on hold. The script that callers hear can set the tone for the rest of the conversation. It should also be in line with your goals, which can be broken down to 3 main objectives. It can be to inform the caller, promote the brand or product, or just entertain the caller. Most of all, it has to be engaging.
The most engaging messages are slightly unique in nature. They combine a mix of clever scripting and music. Slight humour is often used to promote a product or service and is usually quite effective. It's also very important to choose both the written and spoken tone that appeals to the characteristics of your audience. If your target market is the younger generation, a script that includes slang words and is quite laid back would be an excellent choice. If your target market is primarily business professionals, then a more articulate choice of words would be more suitable.
The way all your words and sentences come together gives your script a distinct written tone. Combine that with a specific speaking tone to create an on-hold message that reinforces your brand and product set. Selecting the correct tones will ensure your intended message is communicated effectively. If your target market is the younger generation, then a tone which embodies fun and excitement would be most suitable.
Using concise and simple words in your scripting helps ensure callers can comprehend what is being said. Although a complete on-hold message can be quite lengthy, it should include concise and to the point single messages. Aim to get each message across in around 35 to 40 words. Remember, what may read great in written word doesn't necessary sound great said out aloud.
On hold messages can be recorded for many purposes, such as promoting your business, answering FAQs or announcing important customer service information. It's important to be clear in the message you are trying to get across. Confusion leads to disengagement and reflects badly on the brand. Determining your callers' wait times is necessary to determine the required length of the on-hold message. Making the recording too short can lead to the message being played too many times. This can be repetitive and lose the caller's attention while they hold.
Call us on 1300 00 1300 and speak to one of our Business Consultants. We'll help you produce the perfect on hold message for your business.
Business 1300 works with many talented voice artists that have over 18 years’ worth of experience producing professional voice overs. Both of our female artists are very well spoken with clear voices. They also have the ability to sound young or mature, so they are extremely versatile in delivering the right message for your business.
Our standard recordings start from $39 each and suit most SME business requirements. For more information please call 1300 00 1300 or CLICK HERE to make an online enquiry.
Our male voice talent also has extensive experience in voice overs and a background in broadcasting. Known for his fresh and numerous voicing styles, he'll make sure that your messages or greetings are very much in line with the business branding.
Our standard recordings start from $39 each and suit most SME business requirements. For more information please call 1300 00 1300 or CLICK HERE to make an online enquiry.
One of the most challenging aspects of writing for speech is optimising text to be read aloud and recorded. On paper, long, complex sentences are easily accommodated. When read out aloud, the same sentences can sound awkward and confusing.
The difference between writing a script and writing for print is that scripts must be written for the ear and written for effective delivery by voice talent. It must be written in a conversational tone. When you create a script that’s listenable, your callers will better understand your business.
Business Intro – quick intro announcement heard by the caller before they speak with a business representative. Usually quite short and welcoming, introducing the business to the caller.
Voice Prompts – usually combined with a Business Intro announcement, used for Auto Attendant and IVR prompts to provide menu options and assist in telephone navigation.
Messages on Hold – continuous loop of music and messaging that plays as callers wait to speak to a business representative. Messages On Hold present a mix of marketing messages and customer service information that is mixed with music to play in a loop for callers waiting on hold.
Voicemail Greetings – outgoing message recordings for after-hours voicemail box and when a call can’t be taken.
Set the right tone for the call by introducing your business in a welcoming manner. The message can be played either by itself or as an intro to IVR prompts.
Welcome to Business 1300 where our mission is to make your business even more outstanding. Please hold the line and one of our representatives will be with you shortly.
Combine with a Business Intro Message to provide menu options and assist in telephone navigation. As opposed to the passive nature of Messages On Hold, voice prompts are interactive. They are designed to bring out a physical reaction from the caller, a call to action. And because voice prompts are directive, it’s important they’re concise, well written, and recorded by a professional voice artist.
Callers don’t have the luxury of seeing the script laid out in front of them while they’re listening to the various menu options. With this in mind, it’s important to use language that’s easy for callers to comprehend the first time they hear it.
The main objective of a caller navigating an IVR system is to get to the desired destination as quickly as possible. If the script contains overly wordy phrases and long descriptions, the callers will get frustrated with every passing word.
Avoid using ‘please’ more than once, it gets wordy and redundant. The goal is to keep the content as concise as possible, moving callers quickly and seamlessly through the options.
Welcome to Business 1300 where our mission is to make your business even more outstanding. To better assist us in transferring the call to the appropriate person please select from one of the following options: Press one for Sales, two for Customer Service, and three for Reception.
Messages On Hold give you the opportunity to:
With music and messaging that appeals to your target market, you will captivate your audience. Your Message On Hold program can be more than a time filler for callers waiting, it can be an informative, entertaining, and educational tool. With the right content, callers will not only stay on hold, but will have an emotional reaction to your message.
Length – if your callers typically wait 2 minutes at a time, then at least 2 minutes of programming should be the goal. The idea is to ensure the callers don’t hear repeated messages every time they call. A typical on-hold message is 4-8 minutes in length.
Verbal Content – generally, you should use 100 words to make up 1 minute of content produced with background music. In other words, one to two paragraphs per minute. The topic can range from product promotions to general company information.
It’s important to ensure the content is informative and relevant to the caller. And the rule ‘less is more’ very much applies to writing for the ear. It’s important to keep the sentences short and to the point. A popular way to get a message across is follow this structure:
Choose words and expressions that complement your business, brand and industry. As an example, a construction company would use words and expressions that convey high quality and solid workmanship; while a florist would use sensory descriptions that arouse smell and beauty.
Tone - select the right tone for your business brand. If your target market are young millennials, then the script would most likely include some slang words, be quite laid back and the script would be recorded in an energetic tone. If you primarily service the business market, then the script would be more articulate and recorded with a more professional tone.
Professional business voicemail greetings are significantly different from ones you record for individual use and complete your professional business image. They’re more generic in nature and designed to provide information to the caller while ensuring they leave a message. Where possible, explain when you expect to return calls. Typically, they’re recorded for the following:
Calls overflow to the voicemail box if they can’t be answered during business hours. This may be during unusually busy periods or if there is no one to take the call.
Thank you for calling BusinessCo. Unfortunately, all our Business Representatives are currently attending to other enquiries. Your call is important to us, so please leave your name, phone number and a short message and we will return your call by the end of the business day. Thank you.
Calls diverted to the voicemail box after business hours.
Thank you for calling BusinessCo. Unfortunately you have called us outside business hours. For more information on our products and services please visit our website at businessco.com.au. Alternatively, please leave your name, phone number and a message and we’ll return your call on our next business day. Thank you.
Calls diverted to the voicemail box during holiday closures.
Thank you for calling BusinessCo. We are currently closed for the public holiday in Victoria. Our normal hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Easter Standard Time. Your call is important to us, so please leave your name, phone number and a short message and we will return your call on our next business day. Thank you.
Calls diverted to the voicemail box of a department that doesn’t have active reception staff.
Thank you for calling the Accounts Department. We’re sorry that we are unable to take your call at this time, but please leave your name, phone number and a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
