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What to Include in Your On Hold Phone Message Scripts for Maximum Impact

10 June 2026

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Telephone with notepad and pen on a table | Featured Image for the What to Include in Your On-Hold Phone Message Scripts for Maximum Impact blog.

When customers are placed on hold, what they hear can shape how they perceive your business. Silence or generic audio wastes a valuable opportunity, while well-crafted on hold phone message scripts can inform, engage, and reinforce your brand. The right approach turns hold time into a strategic touchpoint that improves customer experience and drives real business outcomes.

If you’re looking to upgrade your caller experience, contact McGirvanmedia on 1800 777 428, email enquiries@mcgirvanmedia.com.au, try the free demo, or reach out via our online form to hear the difference for yourself.

What to Include in an On Hold Script

Start with a Clear Purpose

Every effective on hold script should begin with a clear goal. Whether it’s promoting services, reducing perceived wait times, or answering common questions, your messaging needs direction. Without structure, even the most polished audio can feel disjointed.

Strong on hold phone message scripts are built around what your customers actually need to hear. This ensures every second on hold is purposeful, rather than filler.

Highlight Key Products, Services, and Offers

One of the most valuable elements of any on hold script is the ability to promote your business. Callers are already engaged as they’ve made the effort to contact you, so it’s the perfect time to highlight:

  • Current promotions or seasonal offers
  • Popular products or services
  • New developments within your business

A well-written script introduces these points naturally, without sounding overly sales driven. The goal is to inform and encourage interest, not overwhelm the listener.

Include Important Business Information

Customers often call with specific questions, and your messaging can proactively answer them. Effective on hold phone message scripts commonly include:

  • Opening hours or holiday closures
  • Location details or service areas
  • Frequently asked questions

By addressing these upfront, you can reduce pressure on your team and improve efficiency, while also making the caller’s experience smoother and more helpful.

Use Clear Calls to Action

Your hold messaging should guide customers toward the next step. Whether it’s visiting your website, asking about a service, or enquiring about a promotion, a clear call to action keeps the conversation moving forward.

Well-structured on hold phone message scripts include subtle but effective prompts that encourage engagement. A strong on hold script might invite callers to speak with a team member about a specific service or mention where to find more information online.

Keep the Tone Conversational and Engaging

Tone is critical. If your messaging sounds robotic or overly formal, it can quickly disengage listeners. The most effective on hold phone message scripts use a conversational tone that feels natural and easy to follow.

This is where professional scripting and voice talent make a difference. A well-delivered on hold script keeps callers relaxed, maintains interest, and reflects positively on your brand.

Keep it Structured and Easy to Follow

Callers may not hear your entire message from start to finish, so clarity and structure are essential. Break your content into short, digestible segments that can stand on their own.

High performing on hold phone message scripts are designed to loop seamlessly, ensuring that no matter when a caller joins, they receive clear and useful information.

Why Work with McGirvanmedia

Creating effective on hold phone message scripts requires more than just writing a few lines of text. It involves understanding customer behaviour, brand positioning, and audio delivery.

At McGirvanmedia, we bring over 35 years of experience as a leading on hold message company, delivering professionally written and recorded messages on hold for businesses across Australia.

Working with McGirvanmedia means:

  • Scripts tailored to your business goals and audience
  • Professional voice artists matched to your brand
  • High-quality production for clear, consistent audio
  • Fast turnaround times, typically within 24-48 hours

Every on hold script is developed to maximise impact, ensuring your phone system becomes a valuable communication and marketing tool.

Make Every Second on Hold Count

Your phone system is more than a waiting line, as it’s a prime opportunity to connect with your audience. With the right on hold phone message scripts, you can inform customers, promote your services, and create a stronger, more professional brand experience.

At McGirvanmedia, we make the process simple from start to finish. Call 1800 777 428, email enquiries@mcgirvanmedia.com.au, reach out through our online form, or try the free demo to hear how effective your messaging could sound.

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