BlogBest Customizable IVR Scripts for Better Customer Experience

Best Customizable IVR Scripts for Better Customer Experience

9 Best Customizable IVR Scripts to Improve Caller Experience

When your customers call your IVR number, the first thing they hear is your IVR system. If the message is too long, unclear, or robotic, they’re likely to hang up before reaching the right person. This not only frustrates your callers, but it can also damage your brand reputation and cost you valuable leads.

That’s why you need a well-crafted IVR script. It guides callers smoothly, saves time, and leaves a positive first impression.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for writing effective IVR scripts and share 9 customizable examples you can use.

How to Write an IVR Script? (Best Practices)

To write an IVR script, start by defining the objective of your IVR system and then develop a clear script with a straightforward navigation menu to guide callers. While doing so, ensure consistency in format and align the tone with your brand voice. Also, regularly test the script for improvements.

1. Define the Objectives for Your IVR

Start by identifying the core purpose of your IVR system. What customer problems should it solve? What types of inquiries are most common? When you understand these goals, you can design a script that quickly addresses callers’ needs without requiring a live agent. A goal-driven IVR saves time and improves customer satisfaction.

2. Keep the Navigation Simple

Once you have your objectives set, write a concise, easy-to-follow script that allows your user to reach the right department with as few steps as possible. Avoid overloading the menu with too many options. Use clear language, and make sure the caller can easily follow along. Simplicity helps reduce frustration and improve customer satisfaction.

3. Use a Consistent Format

Your menu options should follow one format throughout. Either say “Press 1 for…” or “To reach [Department], press 1.” Mixing the two makes your message sound uneven and harder to follow. Keep things smooth by choosing one style and sticking to it across all menus.

4. Align with Your Brand's Voice

Your IVR script should be able to reflect the brand's personality and voice. Use a tone and language that is professional and familiar to your target audience. It should be easily understandable by your audience. Even though you’re using the automated phone system, it still represents your brand, so keep in mind to make your scripts as humane as possible.

5. Regular Testing and Improvements

Even after launching your IVR, you should continue to improve it. Listen to customer feedback, analyze call patterns, and make necessary adjustments. Small changes like rewording confusing phrases or shortening wait messages can make a big impact.

Design Intuitive IVR Menus, Customize Call Flows, and Improve Customer Satisfaction—All Without the Technical Hassle

9 Best IVR Script Examples

IVR systems can be tailored for various customer interactions, from greetings and appointment scheduling to technical support and payment reminders. Each scenario requires a different approach to ensure clarity, efficiency, and a positive caller experience. Let’s explore some script examples that can be effectively used to guide and support your callers in different circumstances.

top 9 ivr script samples

1. Greeting and Menu Option Script

The greeting IVR script welcomes callers with a branded greeting and provides a clear, numbered menu for common queries like customer service, scheduling, billing, and more. You can also include the direct extension dialing option to access a different department or agent.

Example:

Hello! Thank you for calling [company name], [insert company tagline].

For customer service, press 1. 
To schedule an appointment, press 2. 
For billing and account information, press 3. 
For our location and hours, press 4. 
Press 5 to speak with a live agent.

To repeat these menu options, press 9.

Or, if you know the extension of the person you wish to talk to, you may dial it at any time.

2. Appointment Scheduling Script

This IVR script focuses on handling appointment-related tasks, guiding callers to schedule, reschedule, confirm, or cancel appointments. It also offers access to a live agent or return to the main menu for broader support.

Example:

Thank you for calling [company name]. Let’s schedule your appointment!

For new appointments, press 1. To reschedule or cancel an existing appointment, press 2. To confirm your existing appointment, press 3. To speak to a front desk agent, press 4.

To repeat this menu, press 9. Press 0 to go back to the main menu.

3. Technical Support Script

You can direct callers to specific help options, such as device issues, internet problems, or order assistance. It also promotes self-service via the website and offers a direct line to a support specialist.

Example:

Thank you for choosing [company name]. Your satisfaction is our priority.

If you're calling about a technical issue with your device or service, press 1.

For troubleshooting internet connectivity problems, press 2.

If you need assistance with a recent order or would like to make a new order, press 3.

To speak directly with one of our technical support specialists, press 0 at any time.

Please have your account or product ID number ready to help us assist you more quickly.

Remember, many common issues can be resolved by visiting our online help centre at [company website].

Thank you for choosing [company name].

4. Call Transfer Script

Sometimes, when an issue cannot be solved by the first response team, it needs to be transferred to another department. In such a time, your IVR system can inform the caller and prepare for a transfer by explaining that they’re being connected to the most appropriate expert. It emphasizes caller value and sets expectations during the brief hold.

Example:

Thank you for your patience.

To ensure we provide you with the best possible assistance, we're going to connect you with the expert most suited to address your specific needs.

Please hold for a moment while we transfer your call. This will take only a few seconds.

Your call is very important to us, and we appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for choosing [company name].

5. Call Back Script

This IVR script offers a convenient callback option when all agents are busy. It allows callers to leave their details instead of waiting on hold. It emphasizes respect for the caller's time and assures a prompt response.

Example:

Thank you for your patience.

All our representatives are currently assisting other callers.

To avoid waiting on hold, you can request a callback, and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

Press 0 to request a call back, and then please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message after the tone.

Your time matters to us, and we truly appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for choosing [company name].

6. Payment Remainder Script

By using outbound IVR, businesses can send automated calls and messages to remind their customers to pay their bills on a scheduled basis. In such cases, your IVR system can use the payment remainder script to gently remind customers of an upcoming payment, offering options to check their balance, make a payment, or speak with billing. It also acknowledges completed payments to avoid confusion.

Example:

Thank you for choosing [company name].

This is a friendly reminder that your payment is due soon.

To hear your current balance, press 1, to make a payment, press 2, or to speak with our billing team, press 0. Please follow the prompts or stay on the line.

If you've already completed your payment, please disregard this message.

We appreciate your attention and thank you for being a valued customer.

7. Delivery Reminder Script

You can notify customers of a scheduled delivery and provide options to confirm, reschedule, or contact the delivery team. This reinforces the company’s commitment to a smooth delivery experience.

Example:

Thank you for choosing [company name].

This is a reminder that your order is scheduled for delivery today.

Press 1 to confirm your availability, press 2 to reschedule your delivery, or press 0 to speak with our delivery team.

We’re committed to making sure your delivery goes smoothly.

Thank you for your time, and we appreciate your continued trust in us.

8. Company Day Off Script

When the caller calls you when your office is closed, an IVR after-hours script can inform them that the service is unavailable due to a holiday. It can also be used to provide the reopening schedule and offer alternatives like visiting the website or leaving a message for follow-up.

Example:

Thank you for calling [company name].

Our office is currently closed in observance of a public holiday.

We will reopen on [insert date] at [insert time].

If you need immediate assistance, please visit our website or leave a message after the tone, and we’ll get back to you once we return.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you soon.

9. Feedback Script

This IVR script invites callers to participate in a brief feedback survey, while also offering an option to skip if they’re not interested. It’s used to improve the service quality by taking valuable feedback from the customers.

Example:

Thank you for calling [company name].

We value your opinion and would love to hear about your experience.

To take a quick feedback survey, press 1.
If you prefer to skip, press 2 or simply hang up.

Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.

Thank you for your time and for choosing [company name].

Dos and Don’ts of an IVR Script

When creating an IVR script, you should keep it clear, concise, and user-friendly with a warm greeting and limited options. It’s also ideal to offer a quick way to reach a live agent. But remember to avoid long menus, complex language, and unnecessary delays.

Do’s

  • Always greet your callers with warmth and clarity. A simple gesture like thank you makes the caller feel acknowledged from the start.
  • Guide callers step by step. Tell them what to do next using simple words like “Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Support.”
  • List the most commonly used choices at the top. This saves time and improves user satisfaction.
  • If your system allows it, remind callers they can enter an extension anytime. It speeds up the process and helps frequent callers skip the menu.
  • Too many choices confuse people. Keep it simple so they can act fast without thinking too hard.
  • If your brand is professional, sound formal. If it’s friendly, use a casual but respectful tone. Your IVR should match your customer experience.
  • Ask your team to test and listen to the script. Fresh eyes and ears can spot what needs improvement.
  • Encourage your customers to a feedback through IVR surveys. It’s a smart way to engage customers and reduce support tickets.

Dont’s

  • Don’t overload callers with long intros or explanations.
  • Dont overuse terms like “please” and “thank you” as it can sound robotic and waste time.
  • If someone doesn’t press a button right away, don’t hang up. Give them a few extra seconds or automatically redirect them to an agent.
  • Don’t use complicated words or industry jargon.
  • Don’t promote unrelated info like your website unless it helps the caller.
  • Don’t forget to update the script when services or departments change.

Conclusion

Implementing the appropriate IVR script will create a better caller experience, reduce wait times, and minimize confusion when routing calls. Whether you're handling support, appointments, or after-hours calls, the examples above can guide your team in creating IVR menus that sound professional and feel helpful.
 

Calilio makes it easy to put these scripts into action. With our customizable IVR menus and advanced call handling tools, you can create a seamless phone experience that keeps your business responsive and your customers happy. Join Calilio today.


Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my IVR scripts?

Your IVR script should be reviewed and updated regularly, at least every 3–6 months or when there’s a change in business hours, departments, or services. Outdated menus confuse callers and reflect poorly on your professionalism.

What’s the ideal length for an IVR menu?

Can I use different IVR scripts for different business hours or days?

FAQ Illustration

Still have questions?

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