Scripting Hold Messages

Scripting On-Hold Messages

This page is a guide to the type of material that you could promote on-hold including examples from our own on-hold messages, and the on-hold messages which we have produced for our clients. If you are writing your own on-hold messages, we suggest that you print this page.

Key Guidelines

  • You already have your callers attention. Unlike radio or television, where you need to make the caller listen, callers on-hold must listen.
  • Avoid Rhetoric. eg. Did you know...? So why not...? Rhetoric is a device to attract attention which is not needed on-hold. Get to the point.
  • Avoid Question and Answer. Where time is limited, get to the point.
  • Avoid Hype.Repeatedly saying "we are the best" will only irritate the caller and waste listening time. Tell your callers why you are the best.
  • Don't assume that the caller has heard the previous message A caller can be put on hold at any point in the presentation. Sometimes it is better to replace references to "it", "the service" or "this" etc with its full descriptive name.
  • Read your message out loud. Just because it looks good on paper doesn't mean that it will sound good.
  • Remember you are speaking to your clients. Do not say someting that you would not say directly to their face.
General Messages

Content could include:

  • Business name (so that callers remember you)
  • Location
  • Opening hours
  • Fax or After Hours Numbers
  • Website address
Example

Thank you for your call to NCH Swift Sound. We will take you enquiry as quickly as we can.

For the short time that you may be waiting we'd like to give you some idea of the audio services that NCH Swift Sound can supply for your business.

Our fax number here at NCH Swift Sound is 02 6257 7889. We can also be contacted after business hours on our after hours phone 0412 447 107. Those numbers again... fax 02 6257 7889 or after hours 0412 447 107.

Example

There's a lot to know about Ainslie Football Club... promotions, function facilities, dining specials and pokers machine, far more than we can cover in this information service. That's why we've set up our own Website. The Ainslie Website address is www.ainsliefootballclub.com.au. That address again... www.ainsliefootballclub.com.au.

Example

Thank you for your call to Delfast, Canberra's own Courier.

Delfast is now located in our new and modern premises at 27 Whyalla Street in Fyshwick. Our trading hours are 7am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. We also offer an after hours and weekend service on request.

Delfast is a Canberra owned and operated independent courier service, started in early 1970 by Brian Jones and now run by family member and Managing Director, Simon Jones. We were in fact the first Commercial Courier Company to service the Canberra Region.

History and Reputation

Content:

  • Business History
  • Awards
  • Quality Programmes
Example

In the 7 years since we were established, NCH Swift Sound has produced thousands of on-hold messages. We continue to benefit from recommendations by telephone companies such as Telstra, NEC, Select and, most importantly, satisfied clients.

Example

The history of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra is very much a part of the development of the Nation's Capital itself. Opened originally in 1924, the Hotel was built to provide a high standard of service and accommodation to Parliamentarians and distinguished visitors.

After closing as a hotel in the mid 70s, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra was extensively refurbished and is now managed by Hyatt International... and faithfully restored to it's original Art Deco style.

Example

The strength of the Raine and Horne Real Estate group has been forged in a history that goes all the way back to 1883. Founded by Tom Raine and Joseph Horne, the company was established on strict principles of professional integrity and conduct.

Today, with over 500 branches around Australia, and with associated offices overseas, you can be assured the there's a Raine and Horne office not too far away from any property that you may wish to buy, sell or rent.

Products and Services

Content could include:

  • Products and Services (What you do)
  • New product lines
  • Related services that callers do not know about
Example

In addition to on-hold messages, NCH Swift Sound supplies other voice related services for business.

NCH Swift Sound produces voice prompts for telephone autoattendants, IVR or answering units, in-store voice announcements and promotional or educational CDs and Cassettes. We also produce audio for multimedia and internet.

If you need voice in your business, there is a good chance that we have the experience and equipment to provide a solution fast. Please ask when your call is taken.

Example

We have a range of new initiatives at Quest including:
People Search, a database which allows employers to pre-select the most suitable candidate for a position
Active Learn, an interactive teaching software program with voice instruction and tailored learning manuals
and we've developed a range of programmes including Career Start, Career Search and Career Skills all tailored to prepare client's for work... and to find a job.

Example

The Jeep is one of the most widely known and respected vehicles of all time... robust, reliable and just about go anywhere. Jeep is a whole range... and a real statement. The rugged Wrangler and Renegade models, the good looking town and off road Cherokee models and the super luxury Grand Cherokee.

And right now the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, with 3 year warranty and 24 month Roadside Assistance Programme, is available from $39,990 Drive away, with no more to pay.

Events and promotions

Content could include:

  • Current promotions
  • Upcoming events
  • End of Financial Year
  • Sales
Example

There's lots of Brumbies action here at the Bruce Outdoor Stadium through March.

On March 6th, it's the Brumbies against Otago, on Saturday the 14th the Brumbies take on South Africa 1... and on Saturday March 21st... Brumbies v South Africa 2.

All Brumbies home games will be at Bruce Stadium and Tickets are available through Ticketek.

Example

Every year, the Salvation Army has one special Sunday and on that day we ask the people of Australia to dig a little deeper to help those doing it tough! It is the Red Shield Appeal... and this year Red Shield Sunday falls on May the 24th.

The Salvation Army doesn't have anywhere near enough staff to do the door knocking, so we're calling on anyone with a bit of time to volunteer to lend a hand. If you have a bit of time to give on Sunday May 24th, please register you name when your call is taken.

Example

A new Exhibition at Questacon is "Colour your Life".

The "Colour your Life" exhibition... with hands on features and computerised workstations... runs through to 2000. It is a fascinating insight into the way light becomes colour and the technologies used in the modern printing process.

Special Messages

Content could include:

  • Change of telephone numbers
  • Office relocation
  • Office closure (Christmas and New Year)
More information
  Voice Services
voiceover index home
voiceover index guide
standard voice price scale
character voices
on-hold messages
> introduction
> ims message player
> guide to scripting
> australian production
> american production
in-store announcements
telephone messages
multimedia voice
website voice
sound design services

Audio Software
IMS On-Hold Messaging
IAP Announcement Player
IVM Telephone Attendant
audio action tools
tone generator


add audio to your site
add audio using c++
add audio using java
install mp3 plugin
install real audio plugin

about this index
about us
contact us
submit your voice

NCH Swift Sound