Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed how businesses create and deliver content. It can speed up production, automate repetitive tasks and reduce costs. However, when it comes to voice for your brand, especially for messages on hold, IVR prompts, audio productions and voice overs, there is one thing AI cannot truly replicate: genuine human emotion.
If you are planning a new audio project such as:
- Telephone messages on hold
- IVR and auto attendant prompts
- In store announcements
- Radio or TV commercials
- Corporate or e learning voice overs
- Audiobooks or narration
you are usually choosing between two options: an AI generated voice or a professional human voice artist. For brand focused audio, the human voice wins every time.
Why human voice overs work better for messages on hold and audio productions
A human voice naturally carries emotion, personality and intent. Listeners pick up on small details like inflection, timing and emphasis. These nuances help your:
- Messages on hold
- Customer service IVRs
- Marketing and promotional audio
feel more real and more engaging. This is what builds trust and connection with your callers and customers.
AI voices can sound smooth and clear, but they often struggle with:
- Authentic excitement or enthusiasm
- Warmth and empathy
- Natural humour and timing
- Subtle changes in energy or tone
The result is audio that sounds flat and one dimensional. Human voice talent, on the other hand, brings depth, contrast and colour to your script. That depth is what creates a genuine emotional response in the listener.
Human voice over can be directed to match your brand
One of the biggest advantages of using professional human voice artists for your audio productions and messages on hold is the ability to direct them.
In a directed session, you can ask the voice talent to:
- Pronounce names, locations and industry terms correctly
- Adjust pace so complex information is easier to follow
- Lift energy for promotional offers and key messages
- Soften tone for sensitive or service related content
- Change emphasis so your most important points stand out
This real time direction means every line is delivered in a way that suits your brand, your callers and your objectives. With AI voice models, you have far less control and often cannot refine the read to the same level.
Human voices increase customer connection and conversions
From a marketing perspective, your messages on hold, IVR prompts and audio branding are all touchpoints where customers form opinions about your business.
When callers hear a warm, natural human voice:
- Your brand feels more personal and approachable
- Information is easier to understand and remember
- Callers are more likely to stay on the line and listen
- Offers and promotions have a higher chance of converting
Consumers are more likely to buy from brands they feel connected to. Using an AI generated voice for such a critical touchpoint can make your business sound generic or distant, which increases the risk of a weaker customer relationship.
Even AI agrees: human voice over is better for emotional impact
We asked an AI system why businesses should use human voices instead of AI generated voices for their audio projects. Here is the type of response it gave:
Using a human voice for your audio project adds a personal touch and emotional connection that AI voices may lack. Human voices can convey nuances, emotions and authenticity that resonate better with listeners, creating a more engaging and memorable experience. By choosing a human voice, you can bring warmth, personality and a unique identity to your project that AI voices may struggle to replicate.
In other words, even AI recognises that when it comes to voice over for messages on hold and audio productions, human voices provide a level of quality and authenticity that AI cannot yet match.
Choose human voice talent for your next messages on hold or audio project
If you care about how your brand sounds, using professional human voice over is the smarter choice for:
- Messages on hold and on hold marketing
- IVR and phone system prompts
- Corporate audio productions
- Commercials and promotional campaigns
At Messages On Hold, our voiceover artists are 100% real humans with years of experience in audio production and branding.
Browse our extensive voice library to find the perfect voice for your brand, or contact our team and we will recommend voice talent that suits your industry, target audience and project goals.