Getting a new phone system for your business is a win! Your IT provider promises better reliability, more features, and lower costs. There are many great things about it.

But if your service provider tells you that your new phone system has free on-hold music and text-to-speech AI voices for the automated system, the offer might not be as great as it sounds.

It might seem like you can save money on voice recordings in the short term, but don’t drop your professional messages on hold or phone prompt recordings just yet. Those included features do absolutely nothing for your customer experience. As a service provider, they might not see that.

The IT View vs. the Customer View

IT teams and phone service providers want to provide uptime, integrations, functionality, security, and cost savings. These are really important! However, the customer experience might not be on their radar. It’s not really their department.

From a technical perspective, a robotic voice or generic music (the same generic music many businesses use) works just fine. From a customer perspective, it’s frankly annoying. Callers don’t hear how efficient your phone system is, nor do they care.

They want to be greeted by a professional, warm voice and an organized phone system. If your phone greetings and messages on hold are the first impression for your business, make it a better one.

The Hidden Cost of “Free” Voices

Text-to-speech and AI-generated greetings are appealing because they are fast and inexpensive. But they usually sound flat, unnatural, or inconsistent with your brand personality. Awkward pacing and emphasis in strange places can be off-putting. They know it’s a robot.

Free on-hold music creates similar problems. Generic tracks feel impersonal, and every business with your phone system is also using those same generic instrumental loops! Plus, using generic elevator music misses a major opportunity to educate callers, reinforce trust, or promote your business.

These small moments add up. Over time, callers may feel less confident in your business, hang up sooner, or become frustrated enough to do their business elsewhere. These things can negatively impact your brand image and customer loyalty.

Why (Human) Voice Is a Branding Tool

Your voice is part of your brand identity, just like your logo, website, or marketing copy. It communicates professionalism, warmth, and confidence. It aligns with your overall brand image. A professionally recorded voice brings clarity, consistency, and human connection. These are things technology alone cannot replicate.

When your greeting sounds polished and intentional, customers feel reassured. They know they reached the right place. They are willing to stay on the line, listen, and engage.

The “free” voices and music in your new phone system are not designed to improve customer experience or boost your brand image. 

Professional Voice Delivers Real ROI

Professional phone greetings and on-hold messaging do more than sound better. They work harder for your business. A positive on-hold or phone prompt experience can:

·         Reduce caller frustration and abandoned calls

·         Reinforce credibility and trust from the first interaction

·         Keep callers engaged during hold times

·         Support sales, booking, and customer service

Most importantly, it protects your brand from sounding generic or even lazy.

Keep Your Professional Greetings

Upgrading your phone system can boost efficiency and functionality without sacrificing your customer experience. The smartest approach blends both worlds. Let IT handle the technology. Let voice professionals and recording studios like On Air handle how your business sounds.

Before removing professional recordings, listen to your phone system as a customer would. Ask whether it reflects the quality of service you actually deliver. If it doesn’t, the savings may not be worth the cost.

Have questions? Give us a call anytime.

Nowadays, remote voice recording sessions are the norm in our business. While recording with all parties present in a studio has its advantages, remote recordings can be professional, efficient, and enjoyable! Like any recording project, the quality of your result depends on the experience, direction and skills of those involved.

On Air works with businesses, agencies, and creative teams every day who join sessions remotely via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or over the phone. With a bit of preparation and clear communication, you can get professional audio recordings without ever stepping into the studio.

Here’s how to direct a remote voice recording session like a pro.

You need a plan (and a script helps).

Before the session begins, know exactly what you want the final recording to sound like. Is the tone friendly and casual? Calm and reassuring? Confident and authoritative? Having a script for your audio recording will help you give this direction and lay a roadmap for the voice-over artist. When they have this information upfront, the voice talent can hit the proper delivery faster and reduce the need for retakes.

It also helps to clarify practical details ahead of time (again, on a script is best), including pronunciations, pacing preferences, and any brand-specific tone. The more clarity you bring to the session, the smoother it will go.

Keep direction simple but specific.

During the session, clear feedback is key. Vague feedback like “make it better” or “more energy” can slow things down. Instead, focus on a specific, actionable direction. For example, ask for a slightly slower pace, tell the voice talent where to breathe within the script, add a warmer smile to the voice, or give a more conversational read, as if they’re speaking with a friend.

Short, direct feedback keeps the momentum going and helps talent adjust quickly.

Use the right tools

Most remote sessions run through platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with a live audio feed from the studio. Some clients also join via phone patch for simplicity. Whatever the setup, make sure you’re in a quiet space with a stable internet connection and no distractions.

Wearing headphones helps you hear details more clearly and prevents echo or feedback. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Practice good video call etiquette.

Even though the focus is on audio, video etiquette during the session still matters. Mute yourself when you’re not speaking, avoid background noise, and give feedback at natural breaks rather than talking over the recording.

If you’re in a shared space, blur your background so your session participants aren’t distracted by people or other activity behind you. Staying present and engaged shows respect for everyone’s time and keeps the session running efficiently.

Trust the pros at On Air

One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional studio is having expert guidance throughout the process. At On Air, we help manage the session, coach talent as needed, and ensure the technical side is flawless. That allows you to focus on creative direction instead of troubleshooting audio issues.

We’re also there to answer questions, give advice and encourage a second take if something doesn’t feel right. The aim is to capture audio that truly represents your brand and the project's goals, and we’re here to help make that happen.

If you’re planning a remote session for phone greetings, on-hold messages, commercial recordings, video production or other marketing projects, On Air Recording Studios is ready to help you sound your best.

Contact us!

Recently, we had a client who recorded their own audio for a guided meditation. They weren’t quite happy with the final product, so they contacted On Air for a little help. We edited and cleaned up the audio they recorded in a DIY home studio, and they saved money by doing the bulk of the project themselves.

We can also provide services for clients who prefer to have us record in our studios but would like to handle the editing and post-production themselves.

We’re happy to offer flexible services for your audio recordings for clients who want to save a bit on the cost. Whether it's a podcast, audiobook, commercial, video narration, or something else, there's not always a one-size-fits-all approach.

Different needs, different budgets. We’re here to help.

The team at On Air gets that different creators have different needs, budgets, and comfort levels with audio production. So, we’re flexible. We can take care of the entire project, or you can do part of the work yourself and let us handle the rest.

Recording at home

While recording in a professional studio with the help of a producer or sound engineer will always give you the best results, you can create a pretty good piece of audio in a quality home studio. With the right setup and equipment, a home studio might fit your needs.

If your audio needs a little TLC, we can help. On Air can polish your project with editing, noise reduction, EQ balancing, and mastering.

The studio experience

If you don’t have a great space for recording at home or would prefer a professional to take over, come on down! Our state-of-the-art equipment and acoustically treated rooms give your audio a polished edge right from the start. If you want to save a bit of money, we can give you the files to edit, tweak or take to your own post-production team. Or, we can take care of the entire project from start to finish.

Expert advice

When you work with On Air, we are here to offer expert advice and quick tips that can improve your method, sound and overall project. Whatever that mix of DIY and professional support looks like, we are happy to collaborate and make it work.

We’re flexible, and our goal is to help your project sound amazing. Have an audio project in mind? Let’s talk about how we can make it happen!

Learn more about On Air.

Once upon a time, answering the phone for a business was an art form. As most calls were answered by a human customer service representative professional phone etiquette was a vital part of a company’s customer service training. While some businesses still prioritize good phone etiquette, it’s certainly taken a back seat.

For one, human beings rarely answer the phone. Callers are more likely to get a recorded greeting or automated message. The worst of those greetings sounds robotic or like they were recorded in a tunnel.  

The modern phone experience

We live in a world of instant messaging, chatbots, and automated phone systems. While those tools have their place and are helpful, they’ve made traditional phone etiquette feel like a relic of the past. But the thing is, phone calls still matter.

For many businesses, the first impression a customer gets comes from that initial greeting or phone menu. If it’s awkward, confusing, or robotic, it can send the wrong message before you even get a chance to help.

Using modern tools the right way

Automated phone systems, messages on hold and voice mail greetings can be an effective way to manage inbound calls. For some businesses, it just makes sense, both practically and financially, to use these tools. However, you must ensure that your phone greetings, however you use them, are an accurate and positive reflection of your brand’s personality.

You can write, voice and record these greetings in a way that elevates the modern era of good phone etiquette. With clear, friendly, natural, and organized phone prompts, customers will feel at ease, feel helped, and are more likely to stay on the line. In contrast, poor-quality audio, disorganized phone menus and unclear messages can lead to frustration and more hang-ups. 

Phone etiquette can prevail, but has evolved.

Phone etiquette has evolved, but its core principle remains the same: respect and help the person on the other end. That means clear communication, a welcoming tone, and an experience that feels intentional. In today’s world, where so many interactions are automated, a professional-sounding message can be the difference between a frustrating call and a lasting impression. Improve your caller’s experience and you’ll increase customer retention and loyalty.

How On Air Recording Studios can help

On Air Recording Studios believes good phone etiquette isn’t dead! But, it could need a little help to shine again. If you’re a business that cannot get to every call with a human customer service representative, use your recorded greetings and automated phone systems the right way. 

We create professional phone greetings, on-hold messages, and automated prompts that sound natural, warm, and distinctly human. Our team helps businesses bring back that personal touch, with professionally voiced and produced greetings that elevate today’s modern version of good phone etiquette.

A clear, confident, and friendly voice sounds better, helps your customers and ensures your business stands out in a world where phone manners are fading.

If your phone system could use a little polish, reach out! Contact On Air.

So, you’ve written a book. Congratulations! Converting your masterpiece into an audiobook is whole other feat. On Air specializes in voice over recordings and has experience with audiobook recordings.

If you’re voicing your own book or hiring a voice over artist, there are some essential things you should know.

1. There’s more to it than just reading. Take time to prepare.

Recording an audiobook isn’t just reading your book aloud. It takes energy, focus, and endurance, especially if your book is long.

Before you even hit the studio, read your book out loud at least once. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, tongue-twisters, or sections that may need tweaking. Practice your pacing, breathing, and tone to maintain an engaging and consistent delivery throughout.

Decide early on who will be doing the VO. If it's you, be ready for long sessions. If you’re hiring a voice actor, finding someone who matches your tone and intent is key. On Air works with a vast pool of voice over talent and can help you find the perfect voice for your project.

2. Don’t be afraid to mark up your script

Even if you know your book inside and out, taking the time to mark it up for audio can make a huge difference. You’ll want to add cues for pauses, breathing, inflection, or emotion, and make notes about character voices or shifts in tone.

Breaking the script into manageable sections also helps keep recording sessions focused and efficient. Think of it less like reading a book and more like performing one. Need some tips? We can also help with that. Just contact us!

3. It will take some time. Set realistic expectations.

Recording a full audiobook takes time, and it’s usually more than most people expect. A general rule is two to three hours of studio time for every finished hour of audio. And that’s not counting retakes, vocal breaks, and the post-production work like editing and mastering.

It might feel like a bit of a marathon, but we’ll make sure to take some coffee breaks! Plan to space out your sessions and be upfront with the team if you need to take more time than expected.

4. Know what to bring to the studio

Come prepared for comfort and focus. Bring a clean, marked-up copy of your manuscript, plenty of water, and quiet snacks to keep your energy up. Avoid crinkling chip bags!

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t rustle or squeak, as your microphone will pick up everything. And most importantly, bring patience and a sense of humour. You’ll probably flub a few lines, and that’s totally normal.

Also, remember to silence your phone, warm up your voice before you start, and don’t stress too much. Your raw audio will be edited and mastered by the pros.

Record your audiobook with On Air!

Whether you're narrating your book or hiring a voice over professional, we guide you through the process with expert support, high-quality equipment, and professionally mastered results.  

Contact us to learn more.

More businesses are managing their inbound calls with an automated phone system, but not everyone can interact with phone system prompts in the same way. If the system isn’t inclusive or leaves a bad first impression, you risk losing that caller before you ever make a connection.

With that in mind, is your phone system inclusive to all callers? How can you make it more accessible? 

Why does accessibility matter?

Accessibility enhances the customer experience for callers of all abilities, demonstrating your inclusivity and care. Callers might have different needs due to abilities or impairments, language skills and comfort with technology. If you address those needs with a thoughtfully designed phone system, it gives everyone the same chance to reach the right department or person without frustration.

That means shorter wait times, less confusion and a better caller experience all around.

What does an accessible phone system look like?

First, an inclusive phone system is simple, straightforward, and easy to navigate. The language is straightforward, the tone is warm, and the menu isn’t overloaded with too many options. You want the audio to be crisp and clear, with a steady, easy-to-follow pacing. Moreover, callers should never feel lost in a maze of buttons or stuck listening to confusing instructions.

For businesses that serve a bilingual or multilingual customer base, offering language options right from the start is a great way to help callers feel at home. Learn about our multilingual recording services.

To help the needs of a broader range of people, offer options for navigating the phone system menu. For example, allow voice commands in addition to pushing numbers and buttons to advance in the system.

You can use this prompt: “To reach our technical support team, please say 'technical support' or press one.”

You should also have the option, right from the start, for the caller to reach a human customer service representative. Including that option in the first greeting ensures that people of all abilities and needs can ask a person for help. 

The role of professional phone prompt recordings

Professional recordings really make a difference. A high-quality, professionally voiced greeting is easy to understand, pleasant to listen to and sets a positive tone for every caller.

Clear audio also supports callers with hearing difficulties, while natural pacing helps those who need a little extra time to follow along. Instead of robotic or muffled voices, your callers hear polished, human communication that reflects your brand.

How On Air can help

On Air specializes in creating engaging, professional-sounding phone greetings and menu prompts for our clients. With accessibility in mind, we can help you with phone system greetings, prompts and messages on hold that ensure every caller feels respected and assisted.  

Let’s make sure your callers have a positive and inclusive experience from the very first greeting. Contact On Air Recording Studios today to discuss your project!

When a customer calls your business, the very first thing they hear matters. It sets the tone for their entire experience, especially when the first impression is a recorded greeting in an automated phone system.

If your business offers services across Canada or in other parts of the world, offering multiple languages in your automated phone system prompts will have many benefits. First, you can reach callers you couldn’t before and all potential customers can feel welcomed and understood. That simple change can transform your customer service and help you reach broader markets.

Why multi-language customer service matters in Canada

Canada is proudly bilingual, with English and French as our two official languages. For Canadian businesses that offer services across the country, offering both language options on your phone system is essential. A bilingual greeting ensures that whether your customer is from Vancouver, Montreal, or Atlantic Canada, they can access your services comfortably. This builds trust and shows that you value inclusivity and are eager to serve every potential customer, regardless of their language.

Reaching a global market

Of course, Canada is home to diverse communities, and many businesses also serve international clients. That’s where multi-language recordings truly shine. Adding options like Spanish, Mandarin, or Punjabi, for example, can make your business more accessible to global customers or Canadian customers that do not use English as their first language.

For companies working with international partners or serving a worldwide customer base, multilingual phone systems signal professionalism and cultural awareness.

Improving the customer experience

Customers stay on the line longer and feel more confident engaging with a business when they hear a friendly, professional message. This is improved further when they have the option to hear it in their own language. It reduces confusion, improves satisfaction, and can even lead to more sales. On the other hand, if someone struggles to understand your phone system, they may hang up and call a competitor instead.

How On Air can help

On Air Recording Studios specializes in creating professional, polished phone system greetings and on-hold messages. And we can record in any language you need. Whether you want English and French, or you’re expanding into global markets with multiple language options, we have the network of translators and multi-lingual voice-over artists to deliver high-quality recordings. Learn more about our multi-language voice over services.

Plus, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your business. Maybe you only need a simple bilingual greeting, or perhaps you want a full menu of options in several languages. We work with you to create recordings that make every caller feel welcome and respected, boosting their customer experience.

Multi-language phone system recordings can help your business grow.

Contact On Air today to learn how.

If you want to record an audiobook, you might consider a home recording. If you have a microphone and a quiet room, is that good enough?

For audio production, the difference between home and studio quality isn’t just about equipment. It’s about acoustics, professional experience, precision, and access to talented voiceover artists. Here’s why recording your audiobook in a professional studio is the best idea.

Studio acoustics are built for clean, clear sound.

Even the quietest home can’t compete with a studio built for sound. Professional studios like On Air are designed from the ground up to eliminate background noise, echo, and distortion. This means every word is captured with clarity and depth. The sound you get in a professional production studio is not something padded closets and makeshift setups can replicate.

When your listener presses play, they expect a smooth, immersive experience. Studio acoustics ensure your narration sounds crisp and consistent from start to finish.

Directed sessions bring out your best performance.

In a home setup, you’re often alone behind the mic. In a studio, you’re supported by an expert sound engineer and producer who does audio recordings daily. They will listen in real time, helping guide pacing, tone, and emotional delivery. They catch subtle errors before they become distractions, like misreads, awkward pauses, pops in the microphone and uneven energy. Their keen ear and expertise will help shape your performance into something truly engaging.

With a producer in your corner, you can focus on storytelling while someone else ensures every line lands just right.

Professional editing makes your audiobook sound seamless.

Recording is only the first step. Professional editors polish your audio so it flows naturally and meets industry standards. They remove background noise, tighten pacing, fix breaths and clicks, and ensure even volume levels. This detailed editing is hard to match at home, even with software tools. It comes from practical experience, a deep knowledge of the craft, and industry-leading production equipment.

Professional editing can give you a smooth, listener-friendly audiobook that is ready for platforms like Audible, Kobo, and Apple Books.

Your listeners will hear the difference.

A professionally produced audiobook doesn’t just sound better. It sells better. Listeners can tell when a book was recorded in a DIY home studio vs. a professional one. They’re more likely to keep listening, leave positive reviews, and recommend your book to others.

If you're investing time into writing your story, it’s worth giving it the high-quality production it deserves.

You’ll have access to experienced voice talent.

When you work with a studio like On Air for your audiobook recording, you can access our vast and diverse pool of voiceover artists. We vet the professionals in our talent bank, ensuring the best of the best, and can help you choose the VO artist who meets your project's needs.

Ready to record?

On Air offers everything you need to bring your audiobook to life. We can help you find the right voice, or if you have your voiceover artist, we’ll provide professional narration and directed sessions, post-production editing and mastering.

Get in touch to book a session or to learn more about our audiobook services.

When customers call your business, the first thing they hear is the voice of whoever answers the phone or the recorded phone greeting. The way your phone greeting sounds—its tone, pacing, and warmth—can determine whether a caller feels welcome, valued, and ready to do business with you.

Here’s why voice matters more than you think

Did you know that vocal cues influence trust and decision-making? A study by a scientist named Albert Mehrabian showed that tone of voice is responsible for 38% of how much a person likes the speaker. That is significant!

 A warm, confident voice reassures callers, while a rushed, monotone, or robotic voice can cause customers to feel distant and frustrated. That same research suggests that people form opinions about credibility, competence, and friendliness within just a few seconds of hearing a voice.

In business, that means your phone greeting isn't just a tool for managing inbound calls—it’s a powerful tool for shaping customer relationships from the start.

The impact of tone, pacing and warmth in a voice

A friendly, upbeat tone makes callers feel comfortable and engaged. Unfortunately, a cold or flat tone, like many phone system greetings, can make your business seem unhuman and unapproachable.

Pacing is the speed of the voice and includes the silent spaces between words, sentences, and thoughts. Speaking too fast can feel overwhelming and make it challenging to follow phone prompt instructions. On the other hand, speaking too slowly sounds strange and can be frustrating. A natural, steady rhythm keeps conversations smooth and professional.

Finally, adding warmth to your voice can create a more inviting greeting. We can add warmth to a voice over by encouraging the VO artist to smile while speaking, use slight inflections and focus on sounding friendly and welcoming.

Voice can influence customer decisions.

People instinctively trust voices that sound confident, calm, and natural. If a customer hears hesitation, a cheesy or overly scripted delivery, or an impersonal automated system, it might cause a negative subconscious feeling about your company and whether you’re trustworthy.

A well-crafted phone greeting lets customers know that they are in the right place and that your business is ready to help them. This can directly influence their decision to make a purchase, book an appointment, or ask for more information.

What does your phone system sound like?

Wondering if your current phone greeting is helping or hurting your business? Here’s a quick audit you can do:

• Call your own business and listen as if you were a customer. Listen carefully to the voice in the greetings. How does the greeting make you feel?
• Get feedback! Ask a few trusted friends, colleagues or loyal customers to listen to your phone system greetings and provide their honest feedback.
• Check for common issues: For example, is the message too long? Is the voice over too fast? Does it sound like a boring script or robot on the other end of the line?
• Is the voice professional, warm and easy to understand? Are the instructions given clear?
• Are your phone prompts and system menu correct? You want to make sure callers reach the person or information they’re looking for!

Read more about why you should listen to your own automated phone system greetings.

Professional voice overs have a good ROI

Investing in high-quality voice recordings isn’t just about sounding “good.” It’s about building trust, improving the customer experience and customer loyalty, and driving more sales.

A polished, professionally recorded phone greeting can make your business sound more credible and trustworthy. Professional recordings will reduce customer frustration and call drop-off rates. It can also strengthen your brand image and relationships with your customers. These things have significant value!

Remember, the voice customers hear when they call your business is a direct reflection of your business. Whether it’s a simple voicemail greeting, an IVR system prompt, or on-hold messaging, getting it right can make a big difference.

On Air can help you make a great first impression! Contact us to learn more.

On Air works with a vast and talented pool of voiceover artists. While we offer a range of audio recording services, IVR phone prompts and messages on hold voiceovers are things our customers frequently need. If you’re just getting into voiceover work, or want to supplement your portfolio, consider this area of VO that might be overlooked.

Message On Hold and IVR breakdown

Messages on hold (MOH) help businesses entertain and engage callers while they wait on hold. Usually, a message on hold script includes several short messages focusing on products, services, basic business information, promotional material, and other benefits the business offers. They’re sort of like short radio spots, divided by music and other elements.

IVR (Interactive Voice Response) prompts are recordings in an automated phone system that guide you through a menu so you can reach the department, person, or information you called for. IVR voiceovers guide callers through these menus so they can access self-service solutions or be filtered to the correct department. These messages include simple phone greetings, instructions, and other helpful information.

Message On Hold and IVR voiceover jobs

Messages on hold and IVR voiceover jobs might have lower rates than other voiceover work, but they are readily available, flexible and easy to do. On Air frequently engages with voiceover artists for this kind of work, which VO actors can look into to supplement their portfolio.

Our advice to VO artists looking to get this kind of work is to put together a simple IVR/MOH demo and include it on your website and promotional materials. Use one or two examples of basic on-hold messages for different types of businesses and the same for typical automated phone system prompts. Ensure your demo shows your voice skills and performance and produce it in the highest quality possible. You want to show how your voice boosts customer service, delivers essential information, and keeps callers interested. 

IVR and MOH voiceovers must be professional, friendly and engaging. Businesses don’t want to offer robotic greetings and responses to their callers. In addition, callers might feel frustrated waiting on hold or navigating a phone system. The right VO can put them at ease, offer compelling information and improve the customer experience.

Professional recording services offer more than just a simple voice recording. Our producers work with talented voice actors to bring your script to life. Even if the subject matter isn’t exactly the most exciting to all audiences, like corporate or technical content, we can offer compelling recordings that will draw the attention of listeners and viewers.

Work with a recording studio. It’s worth it.

Voice actors are talented, especially the ones On Air works with! They offer that ‘invisible performance’ that can turn any script into something that engages audiences. When you work with a professional recording studio like On Air, you have access to these voices. Plus, you have access to experienced producers who have honed their craft and are pros at directing voice over artists to produce the best results.

It’s more affordable than you might think, and you’ll see a return on your investment.

It’s all in the voice.

The right voice can help you more effectively tell your story and share your message while staying consistent with your brand tone. Professional voice actors do this daily and can significantly improve your audio project. Whether you’re creating a digital commercial for a streaming service, narrating a promotional video or creating a message on hold, here’s how voice talent can bring it to life:

Voice over artists are performers.

Voice talent has theatrical skills and knows how to use them. They can make corporate content engaging and interesting. VO professionals are VO actors. That means they can help liven up content that isn’t typically considered exciting.

They get into character.

As performers, voice actors can get into character to best broadcast their company’s content. They create authentic personas for technical and instructional content. A VO artist takes instructions from the client, script, and producer to get into that character.

They read the room and the script.

Professional voice actors understand how to present corporate, instructional and technical content best. They can convey authority, trustworthiness and friendliness without extensive instruction (unless you have specific instructions). They will understand what you’re trying to convey and ensure that it happens in the most engaging way possible.

Professional recording services for your “boring” content

We hate to call anyone’s content boring, but everyone understands that not every topic is considered interesting by the masses. That said, the right voice actor can help rejuvenate content that isn’t inherently interesting, ensuring it has all the bells and whistles it needs to effectively reach its audience.

On Air offers voice over and audio recording services for:

·         On hold messages

·         Phone greetings

·         Mobile voicemail

·         E-learning videos

·         Promotional and corporate videos

·         Business presentations

·         Text-to-speech tools

·         Audio tours

·         Radio, TV and digital streaming commercials

·         and more!

Contact us to get started!

Let’s be honest—no one likes being on hold.  A lot of the time, it’s like waiting for water to boil or watching paint dry, but with the added bonus of hearing the same four bars of elevator music on repeat.

Thankfully, On Air provides professionally written, voiced and recorded messages on hold that are a lot more engaging than that. But still, waiting is not our favourite.

If you’re stuck on hold, it doesn’t have to be wasted time! Here are 10 things you can do while waiting for a real, live human to pick up:

Things you can do while waiting on hold

1.      Master the art of doodling

Grab a pen and paper and unleash your inner artist! Doodle a masterpiece or doodle how waiting on hold is making you feel—either way, it’s a productive use of time.

2.      Plan your next meal

Whether you're dreaming of tacos or wondering if you remembered to pick up spaghetti noodles, now’s the perfect time to strategize your next culinary creation. Think it will be a while? Create a meal plan and grocery list for the entire week.

3.      Learn something random

Have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink? Or how many types of cheese exist in the world? Or how to fix a leaky faucet? Put your phone on speaker and start Googling! Now’s your chance to learn something new.

4.      Start a mini-workout

Who needs a gym membership when you can fit in some squats, lunges, or even a little yoga while you wait on hold? However, if you’re on the phone at work, you might want to make sure you have a little privacy.

5.      Meditate

Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and try to reach a state of inner peace. Even a one-minute meditation can feel rejuvenating. Just don’t get too relaxed—you might miss when they finally answer.

6.      Write a to-do list

Organize your day, jot down your next big idea, or make a list of all the things you could be doing if you weren’t on hold. Your to-do list can be for the home or for work.

7.      Try to decode the on hold music

Where have you heard this music before? Was it when you were on hold with your doctor’s office or with the airline company? Is that a jazz remix of a pop song? Use the time to solve these little mysteries.

8.      Catch up on your text messages.

Have you been tardy at responding to your text messages and DMs? Who has the time? You do! Spend this time on hold to respond to those messages, catch up with family and friends or even clean out your email inbox.

9.      Play a quick game

Whether it’s a round of Candy Crush, Wordle, or seeing how long you can balance a pen on your finger, keeping your brain entertained can help pass the time. Put your on-hold music on speaker and let the games begin!

10.  Listen to the on hold message (really!)

If it’s done right, the message on hold you are listening to might actually be informative. Who knows? You might learn about a new service or a special offer or just enjoy a professional, friendly voice keeping you company.

Professional Messages On Hold

We know hold time isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s day. But a well-crafted, engaging on hold message can make the wait more enjoyable and even keep customers on the line longer. Professional and engaging messaging improves customer experience and leads to more sales.

If your business’s hold messages sound like a robot, or you’re using the same boring music loop everyone else is, it’s time for an upgrade. Contact us today!

When you’re producing audio and video for your business communications and marketing, it is vital you make a powerful impact that aligns with your brand. Starting these projects with a compelling and professionally written script will assist the voice over artist and producer and ensure a better finished product Plus, it ensures your project is effective at reaching and engaging your target audience.

On Air works with professional writers and can help you find the right words and voice for your audio recording project. Here are some ways we can do that:

Messages On Hold

When your customers are put on hold, the clock starts ticking on their patience! This is where our professional copywriters shine, crafting engaging and informative messages that keep your customers interested and make waiting less of a hassle. A poorly written message on hold, on the other hand, can lead to customer dissatisfaction and even lost business.

Effective on-hold messages can provide helpful information, promote new products or services, and enhance your company's image. Our team ensures your on-hold messages are always a positive extension of your brand.

Telephone System Prompts

An automated phone system can be a powerful tool for managing your inbound calls. However, it's also the first point of contact with your customers and can be responsible for making that crucial first impression. A cold, robotic, or disorganized voice prompt can be a major turn-off, potentially leading to a negative customer experience.

Our professional copywriters ensure that the language used is friendly, efficient, and reflects your brand’s voice. We can also help you organize your automated phone system menu so people can find the information or person they need quickly and easily.

In addition, we offer voicemail greeting recordings. So, if the caller reaches someone’s voicemail, they’re greeted with professionalism and courtesy. Professional copywriting will help create a positive first impression and enhance caller satisfaction.

Audio Commercials

Audio commercials can be a powerful marketing tool, whether used on a digital platform or the radio. But they need to capture your listener’s attention and convey your message quickly—usually in 15 or 30 seconds.

Our professional copywriters specialize in creating compelling scripts that resonate with your target audience. They understand the nuances of language and pacing required to make your commercial memorable and effective. You can expect better engagement and higher conversion rates from your digital or radio ads with professional script writing.  

Video Narration

Video content is more popular than ever, and professional narration can make your videos stand out. Our copywriters create engaging video narration scripts that captivate your audience and clearly convey your message. Plus, our video voiceover artists are truly exceptional in what they do. Compared to a DIY voiceover, they’ll turn a simple video into a professional production.

Whether it’s a corporate video, training video, streaming services commercials or other promotional content, our team ensures that your narration script is compelling and aligned with your brand’s voice.

Want to learn more? Browse our services and contact us!

If you’re crafting an audio message to reach a specific region, you want to ensure that the voice over has the correct dialect or accent for that region. On Air offers multilingual translation and voice over services. In addition, we can offer region-specific dialects and accents for regions in North America.

Dialects vs. accents

People commonly use the terms dialect and accent interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

An accent is how a person pronounces the words.

Dialect refers to the pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of the language. Dialect also refers to cultural ‘rules’ to how we say certain phrases and what words are used in that region.

Here is an example of two English dialects.

Canada: Do you have any milk?

England: Have you any milk?

Why dialect and accents matter

Everyone has at least one dialect and accent. Your accent and dialect represent your region, culture, ethnicity, religion, age, and other areas of life. It is possible to switch accents or dialects depending on whether you mean to or not, depending on where you are or who you’re talking to. Your accent or dialect is part of your identity!

Having your marketing message in the appropriate dialect or language can bring familiarity to your audience. As a result, it could help your audience connect to your brand and remember your message.

Sometimes, dialect will determine the words and phrases used in the region, which can help you reach that audience. Here’s another example:

Alberta: It’s cold. I’ll put on a hoodie.

Saskatchewan: It’s cold. I’ll put on a bunny hug.

New Zealand: It’s cold. I’ll put on a jumper.

Dialect can differ across regions within close geographical distances. There are several dialects within English-speaking regions in Canada and across the world.

AI-generated voice overs

Everyone has heard Siri or Alexa grossly mispronounce something. AI voices struggle with correct pronunciation and dialect. While AI voice overs can be useful in some applications, they cannot replace the oral traditions and familiarity of human language.

When it comes to your marketing messages, reaching your audience with their language, accent, or dialect can be powerful. Sometimes, the difference is subtle, but it can sometimes make a significant difference in the message and for the listener.

Contact us to learn more!

Nobody likes to be put on hold. Unfortunately, it’s the only solution for many businesses when navigating busy times or high call volumes. So, if you have to put them on hold, you’d better give them something to listen to! Waiting in silence is, well, a silent killer for customer service.

If you’re putting together a message on hold script, here are things you can include:

Basic company information

Your on hold messages should include your company name, business hours and web address. If you have a physical address open to the public, share its location and any relevant directions or landmarks to help people get there. You can also share your social channels and ask listeners to connect with you there.

Your story

Sharing your brand story on your messages on hold will tell callers who you are, your experience, and what you offer. In addition, you can share how you’re active in the community, awards you’ve won, memberships, and other achievements. Your messages on hold can also share information about warranties, loyalty and referral programs, and more. You have their attention, so use it to tell your story and share what makes your business great.

Promote your business

Messages on hold are also an excellent platform for sharing information about products and services. Use that time to tell callers about a special discount or promotion you’re having. Are you holding a sales event or fundraiser, or will you be at a community event? Let them know!

If you use time-sensitive information, updating your messages on hold is vital once that promotion period or event is over. Dated messaging can seem unprofessional to callers, so keep it fresh! That is something On Air can help you with!

Provide important instructions

You can use your messages on hold to prepare your callers for faster service. For example, you can let them know they need to have their account number ready or alert them of other important instructions. Providing this helpful information will ensure faster service and happier customers. Just make sure you keep it simple and don’t include overly detailed and confusing instructions. It needs to be something they can easily follow and remember until their call is answered.

Do you need messages on hold for your business? Check out our Pay As You Go and Messages On Hold Bundles.