The greeting is the opening statement an AI voice agent delivers when answering or initiating a call. It sets the tone for the interaction, identifies who the caller is speaking with, and often includes required disclosures.
What makes an effective greeting?
Good greetings are concise, clear, and welcoming. They identify the business, establish that the caller is speaking with an AI (if required), and invite the caller to share their need. Overly long greetings frustrate callers who want to get to their request quickly.
Why does the greeting matter?
First impressions shape the entire interaction. A professional, efficient greeting builds confidence. A confusing or lengthy greeting starts the call with friction. The greeting also ensures compliance with any disclosure requirements for AI-assisted calls.
Greeting in practice
After testing several variations, a dental office settles on: “Thank you for calling Bright Smile Dental. I’m an AI assistant and can help with appointments, office hours, and general questions. How can I help you today?” This greeting is warm, discloses AI involvement, sets expectations, and invites the caller to proceed.