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by Guy Michaels
Creating Professional, Effective Customer Journeys with IVR Voiceovers
In the bustling landscape of modern business, every interaction a company has with its customers contributes to its identity and reputation. From digital interfaces to direct phone calls, the goal is always to deliver a cohesive and positive brand experience. Often, one of the earliest and most frequent interactions a customer has with your business is through your Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
As a British voiceover artist with a quarter-century of professional experience, I’ve witnessed the profound impact that a well-crafted audio presence can have. Just as digital platforms have opened vast new avenues for content creators, the humble telephone system continues to be a critical communication channel. My aim is to ensure your IVR system isn’t just functional, but an integral part of your brand’s voice.
IVR: Your Brand’s First Impression
An IVR system serves a vital role for businesses. From a practical standpoint, it offers efficiency, guiding callers to their desired information or the right department with ease. But more profoundly, it’s about setting the tone for your brand from the very first greeting. This initial voice prompt can immediately convey professionalism, integrity, and trustworthiness.
No-one particularly enjoys navigating an automated phone system. It’s often an unavoidable step. Therefore, the core job of the voice artist for your IVR is to effectively and pleasantly guide the caller. This requires a professional voice that instils confidence and eases the caller’s journey through the IVR menu.
The Ideal IVR Voice
What constitutes the perfect voice for IVR will, of course, vary depending on your specific business and its audience. For instance, a doctor’s surgery would typically seek a clear voice, conveying reassurance and efficiency. A blue-chip finance company, on the other hand, might require a voice that embodies calm authority and unwavering trustworthiness. My experience spans a wide spectrum, from finance and technology companies to small charities and start-ups. This diverse background allows me to adapt my delivery to resonate with your unique audience and brand ethos.
My general approach is to provide a professional IVR voice that is clear, friendly, and trustworthy. I typically deliver in a neutral British English accent, offering broad appeal. However, I can seamlessly transition to a more standard Received Pronunciation (RP) or even a more relaxed, ‘London’ sound if the project demands it. For clients looking for a voice for their IVR outside of the UK, I understand the need for specific regional accents, such as a neutral French or an American voice actor, and can guide you on sourcing native speaking talent if my voice isn’t the right fit.
Recording Quality and Playback
The quality of the voice recordings for your IVR system is paramount… For IVR, where audio is often compressed or delivered through telephony systems, it is even more essential that the source recording is of the utmost quality. This is especially true for IVR voiceovers to ensure clarity and professionalism.
This is where my professional, state-of-the-art recording studio in Cambridge, UK, provides a significant advantage. Every voiceover recording I deliver is a flawless final product at true broadcast quality. This means the professional IVR voices you receive are ready to go, optimized for exceptionally smooth playback over any phone system. This commitment to high-quality audio saves you time and ensures a polished, professional listening experience for every caller.
Avoiding Common IVR Pitfalls
Businesses often make common mistakes when creating an IVR. A significant one is using an internal employee or choosing a voice that doesn’t genuinely engage callers. Poorly produced IVR messages can diminish brand reputation and even lead to lost business. This highlights the critical importance of high-quality IVR voiceovers in maintaining a positive brand image.
The consequences are clear: with limited attention spans, callers may quickly give up and seek a business that is easier to deal with. Poorly produced IVR messages can diminish brand reputation and even lead to lost business.
My Comprehensive IVR Voiceover Services
My voice over services for IVR go beyond simply providing a voice. I offer a comprehensive solution designed to ensure your IVR voiceovers are effective and professional:
Script Review: I include a thorough script review to ensure clarity, optimal flow, and that the messaging aligns perfectly with your brand’s intention.
File Splitting: Where necessary for multiple voice prompts and greetings, I include file splitting, delivering individual audio files for each section of your IVR menu.
Format Flexibility: I can deliver your recordings in any required format for any telephone system worldwide, ensuring seamless integration.
Understanding Your Brand: With 25 years of experience, I take the time and care to understand what your business or charity is trying to achieve from the moment a customer interacts with your IVR system. This collaborative approach ensures the recording is closely aligned with your original vision.
Consistency and Updates: For complex call flows or ongoing needs, I can easily provide re-records or updates to ensure continuity in your IVR voice. This includes seamless updates for all your IVR voiceovers as your business evolves.”
I see myself as an extension of your team. While voiceovers for explainer videos and online training are a significant part of my corporate work, IVR presents a unique challenge: the listener often doesn’t want to be there. Therefore, the job of the voice-over artist is to create an IVR experience that is as natural sounding and painless as possible. My goal is to make the IVR call smooth and efficient.
Human Voice vs. AI Voices for IVR
In recent years, the rise of AI voices has offered alternatives, promising time and budget savings. However, for critical customer touchpoints like IVR, nothing can genuinely replace the warmth, nuance, and engagement that comes from an authentic human voice. An actor with a friendly and natural sounding delivery brings an irreplaceable human touch, ensuring that even a simple menu sounds welcoming.
While AI may be a consideration for certain applications, for your phone system’s auto attendant, a professionally recorded IVR voice provides a superior first impression and fosters a stronger connection with your caller.
Partnering for Professional IVR Voiceovers
Choosing the right IVR voiceovers is a strategic decision for your brand. It’s about investing in a professional voice talent who understands the intricacies of telephony applications and can deliver high-quality audio that works seamlessly over any phone system.
Whether you’re looking for a voice for a new call centre system or updating existing on-hold messages, I can help you create professional, customised IVR voiceovers. My aim is always to save costs in the long run by getting it right the first time, providing a clear voice that is optimised for exceptionally smooth playback.
If you’re looking for a voice for your brand that offers clarity, professionalism, and a quarter-century of dedicated professional experience in voice recordings, please get in touch today. Let’s ensure your IVR recordings leave a positive and lasting impression.