OddThinking

Speech-enabled IVR technology is in the growth phase.

Translated, this means that it is becoming more likely that your bank or insurance company’s phone system will no longer ask you to “Press 1 to open a new account”, but instead will ask you to “To open a new account, say ‘new account’.”

I see a business opportunity here that none of the corporations seems to be seizing.

Imagine how few people would close their accounts if the system prompted them: “To close your account, say in a loud and clear voice, ‘Nothing but a black lace bra and matching panties! Now, what are you wearing?’ To register a complaint say “Shhh, darling! He might hear us talking!’ To speak to an operator say ‘No, while I take my medication, I don’t feel the urge to interfere with elephants any more.'”