Maxine Box head shot for sponsor blog post

Maxine Bos

As today’s digital landscape rapidly evolves, integrating AI voice technology into a business’s daily operations has become increasingly common. Many companies have turned to AI for voiceover work on training videos, interactive voice response (IVR) for handling customer service inquiries, or enhancing marketing materials. No matter the use, AI voice technology can streamline processes, improve engagement, and help businesses scale their needs at a reasonable cost. However, before diving into the world of AI voice, it’s crucial to consider several factors and understand your company’s specific needs to help you choose the best solution.Consider the following:How will the voice be used?Who is your audience?How do the available voices sound?How much control do you need over the voice?How is the data sourced?When is a human voice actor a better option than AI?How Will the Voice Be Used?When considering AI voice technology, it’s important to define why it’s needed and what it will be used for within your company. Whether you need to record automated responses for customer service calls, narration for a presentation, or voiceover work for learning and development videos, understanding those needs will help you narrow down the options that align with your goals and potential ROI.Who Is Your Audience?After deciding what your needs are, consider who your audience is. How would different members of your audience respond to AI-generated voices— be that your customer base or your company’s board? Some may prefer the reliability and consistency of AI or not even notice the use of AI at all, while others may prefer to have the natural touch of a human voice.How Do the Available Voices Sound?The auditory quality of AI voices can widely vary, and while more natural-sounding voices would no doubt be preferred, determine how important it is for the voice to sound natural and human-like, or if a more digital tone acceptably fits your needs. It’s also important to cater to the size and diversity of your audience, as some people may respond differently to voices with certain accents, voices in their preferred language, or voices with different tones.How Much Control Do You Need Over the Voice?Depending on your business needs, you may require control over pronunciation, pitch, speed, or the emotional tone conveyed by the voice. Whether for conversational interactions or formal presentations, having the ability to customize your voice to align with your brand’s identity and communication style can be a deciding factor when choosing an AI voice company to work with, or opting for a voice actor.How Is the Data Sourced?Ethics play an important role in AI voice technology. Understanding how AI companies source and manage voice data is essential to ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations. Data acquisition and usage transparency help mitigate possible ethical concerns and reinforce trust with stakeholders.When Is a Human Voice Actor a Better Option Than AI?Deciding between AI and human voices boils down to your business’s specific needs. AI voices excel in consistency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for things like customer support scripts or multilingual content. However, human voices offer authenticity, emotional resonance, and nuanced delivery, which may be preferable for brand storytelling or high-touch customer interactions where empathy and creativity are key.Putting It All TogetherIntegrating AI voice technology into your company’s operations can revolutionize how you communicate with customers, streamline processes, and enhance brand consistency. By carefully assessing your specific needs regarding voice usage, audience preferences, customization requirements, and ethical considerations, you can make informed decisions that maximize the benefits of AI voice technology while aligning with your business needs.