Insights, ideas, and real-world examples from more than three decades spent helping brands find their voice.
— Insights
Practical thinking about voice, audio, technology, customer experience and how brands can sound as good as they look.
Blog 01
Upgrading your business phone system can bring plenty of benefits, from improved call management to more flexible features. But what happens to your existing messages on hold when you make the switch? If you’ve invested in professionally recorded IVR telephone messaging, you’ll want to keep using it. Unfortunately, transferring those recordings to a new phone […]
Blog 02
For many patients, the telephone is still an important way to connect with a medical clinic, specialist office or healthcare provider. They may be calling to book an appointment, ask a question, confirm office hours or find out what to expect before a visit. But when clinic staff are busy and incoming calls are difficult […]
Blog 03
Have you ever followed GPS directions and wondered where a particularly unusual pronunciation came from? It can be amusing when you’re listening to a navigation app, but incorrect pronunciation is less entertaining when it’s part of your company’s professional audio. Whether you’re producing a telephone greeting, message on hold, commercial voiceover or corporate narration, getting […]
Blog 04
You know your business inside and out. You know what makes your products and services special, and you have plenty of things you’d like customers to know. So why is it sometimes so difficult to put those ideas into words? Writing marketing copy can be surprisingly challenging, especially when you’re trying to explain what your […]
Blog 05
Think your business needs an expensive phone system to have professional on-hold messaging? Not necessarily! In the past, adding custom messages to your telephone system often required specialized equipment or a more sophisticated business phone system. For small businesses and entrepreneurs, the additional cost and complexity could make on-hold messaging seem out of reach. Fortunately, […]
Blog 06
Getting customers to call your business is an important first step. But what happens once they reach you? Are you making the most of every opportunity to turn those inquiries into sales? Your telephone system is one of your business’s most frequently used communication tools. Beyond connecting customers with your team, it can also serve […]
Blog 07
When someone calls your business and no one is available to answer, your voicemail greeting becomes the next point of contact. It may be the first impression a potential customer has of your company, so it’s worth getting it right. A professional voicemail greeting reassures callers that they’ve reached the right place, that their call […]
Blog 08
When guests are waiting for a table, you might offer them a seat in the lounge, a menu to browse or a drink while they wait. Why not extend that same hospitality to people calling your restaurant? Whether you operate an elegant dining room, a neighbourhood bistro or a busy breakfast café, professional message-on-hold recordings […]
Blog 09
Have you ever called a business and heard, “Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Customer Support”? That’s an example of IVR, or Interactive Voice Response. IVR is an automated phone system that helps businesses manage incoming calls by guiding callers through menu options, providing information and directing them to the right department or person. […]
Blog 10
Professional on hold messaging keeps callers engaged, while homemade messaging is a recipe for disaster. First, a caller on hold is already disappointed that you can’t serve them right away. Even worse, an angry customer with a complaint will only get angrier. If they then hear an amateur recording, you risk losing both the call […]
Blog 11
Audio streaming is one of the most popular ways people listen to music. Services like Spotify and YouTube Music, digital radio stations and podcasts have created new advertising opportunities. Like traditional radio, streaming audio ads let you reach listeners of these services. This form of digital audio advertising is growing quickly, and it is worth […]
Blog 12
With the holiday season comes Christmas music. You hear it on the radio, in the mall, in coffee shops, in advertising and on hold. It doesn’t wait for December, either. Often, it creeps into our daily lives in early November. Maybe you feel warm and fuzzy when Bing Crosby sings about a white Christmas. Or […]
Blog 13
Have you ever called a business from your mobile phone and noticed that the message-on-hold music sounds tinny, distorted or uneven? You might hear the voice clearly, only to have the audio quality drop when the music starts playing. The problem may not be the recording itself. Mobile networks, phone systems and audio settings can […]
Blog 14
Your medical office works hard to provide patients with a professional, caring experience. That experience starts before they arrive for an appointment. For many patients, their first interaction with your practice happens over the phone. When your reception team is helping another patient, answering questions or booking appointments, callers may need to wait. Professional message-on-hold […]
Blog 15
Putting customers on hold is sometimes unavoidable. Your team may be helping another caller, transferring a call or looking up information. But what customers hear while they wait can influence how they feel about your business. A thoughtful on-hold experience helps keep callers informed, reinforces your brand and makes waiting feel less frustrating. Here are […]
Blog 16
An automated IVR phone menu helps callers reach the right department, find information and navigate your business phone system. When designed well, it can make handling incoming calls easier for your team and create a better experience for your customers. However, a confusing menu can leave callers frustrated, sending them in circles or making it […]
Blog 17
A voice over is a form of communication in itself. It also gets from idea to finished audio thanks to communication. The better the voice over communication is throughout the project, the better the final audio will reach its audience. We’ve identified three key areas where communication matters most. 1. Give clear instructions to your […]
Blog 18
Professional voice overs can benefit your business. Professionally voiced audio includes messages on hold, IVR phone prompts, radio and television commercials, marketing videos, podcasts, eLearning and web audio. Voice overs have long played a major role in marketing. Like everything in marketing, they change with the times. Here are the voice over trends we are […]
Blog 19
Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and the customer experience starts long before someone walks into your showroom. Every phone call is an opportunity to make a positive impression, answer questions, and give potential buyers another reason to choose your dealership. A professional message on hold helps you make the most of that time. […]
Blog 20
Poor-quality phone audio can frustrate customers and make it harder for them to do business with you. Whether callers are struggling to hear your team, experiencing choppy VoIP calls, or listening to distorted phone greetings, clear audio is essential to a professional caller experience. The cause could be your phone equipment, network connection, recorded audio […]
Blog 21
Your customers encounter marketing messages everywhere, from websites and social media to videos, advertisements and phone systems. With so much competing for their attention, clear and concise messaging helps your business communicate what matters without making people work to understand it. Whether you’re writing a website headline, a social media post or a message-on-hold script, […]
Blog 22
An interactive voice response (IVR) system helps callers navigate your phone system using recorded greetings, menu options and instructions. When it’s organized well, callers can find the right department, reach the appropriate person or access information without unnecessary confusion. However, as your business changes, your phone system needs to change with it. Outdated recordings, confusing […]
Blog 23
A well-planned message on hold can make waiting more pleasant while giving your business an opportunity to share useful information with callers. But there’s a balance to strike. Too much talking, repetitive messages or music that doesn’t suit your brand can make the experience frustrating rather than helpful. Before creating or updating your message on […]
Blog 24
Hospitality is all about making people feel welcome. From the moment guests arrive at your front desk, you want them to feel informed, comfortable and well taken care of. But what about when they call your hotel? Whether you manage a full-service hotel, a roadside motel or a charming bed and breakfast, a professional message […]
Blog 25
Working on an eLearning module, a message on hold recording or a voice over for an online video? If so, you’ll likely hear some jargon in and around the recording studio. We’ve put together this glossary of voice over terms to help you understand our industry and follow what’s happening during your project. Voice over […]
Blog 26
An automated phone system is an essential tool for businesses that can’t answer every call live. When it is managed well, it helps callers quickly find the information or person they need. It also presents a professional image of your company. However, as businesses grow, phone systems often become complicated and outdated. Old extensions, stale […]
Blog 27
Most customers would rather speak directly with a person than wait on hold. But when your team is busy helping other customers, handling a rush of calls, or dealing with an unexpected situation, answering every call immediately isn’t always possible. A call-answering service may not suit every business or budget, either. So, what can you […]
Blog 28
Managing several dental clinics means keeping the patient’s experience consistent across every location. From your website and marketing materials to the way your team answers the phone, each interaction helps shape how patients perceive your organization. Your message on hold is another opportunity to reinforce that experience. For dental groups with multiple locations, a coordinated […]
Blog 29
When a customer calls your auto parts store, they’re often looking for something specific. It could be a replacement part for a repair, a component for a weekend project, or supplies for their automotive shop. While your team checks inventory, confirms compatibility, or looks up pricing, the caller may need to wait on hold. That […]
Blog 30
An automated IVR phone system can help businesses manage incoming calls and direct callers to the right department, person, or information. But the experience depends on more than the technology. Clear, professional IVR greetings help callers understand their options and know what to expect when they contact your business. Whether you run a small business […]
Blog 31
You’ve chosen a professional voice for your telephone greetings or message-on-hold recordings. Now comes the next step: making sure the delivery sounds the way you imagined. Even with a great script and the right voice talent, the way a message is delivered can make a big difference. Should it sound warm and welcoming, upbeat and […]
Blog 32
If you’re considering professional message-on-hold recordings for your business, you might be wondering whether you need special equipment to play them. The answer depends on your telephone system. Some traditional phone systems require a separate device to play your recordings, while many modern VoIP systems allow audio files to be uploaded directly through the system […]
Blog 33
When was the last time you updated your on hold messaging? If your phone system is still playing last season’s promotions or holiday greetings, it might be time for a refresh. Your on hold messaging is an opportunity to keep callers informed, highlight relevant offers, and reinforce your relationship with customers. Reviewing it regularly helps […]
Blog 34
Your automated phone system may be the first interaction someone has with your business. Clear, welcoming greetings and easy-to-follow menu options help callers reach the right person or department. Confusing prompts, outdated information, or frustrating hold experiences can leave a very different impression. The easiest way to find out what your callers experience is to […]
Blog 35
The music callers hear while waiting on hold is part of their experience with your business. The right choice can complement your message, reflect your brand, and help create a more welcoming impression. The wrong choice can feel distracting, out of place, or simply annoying. So, how do you choose music that works for your […]
Blog 36
Developing an app is a major investment, so you want to set it up for success. You need to define your target market and build an app that meets their needs. Just as important, you want to give users a good experience. Two main factors decide whether an app succeeds. First, it must solve a […]
Blog 37
An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system helps callers navigate your phone system and reach the right department, person, or information. You’ve probably heard one in action: “Press 1 for Sales, press 2 for Customer Support.” A well-designed IVR system can help manage incoming calls and guide customers to the assistance they need. However, a confusing […]
Blog 38
A voicemail greeting may be brief, but it still represents your business when you can’t answer the phone. A clear, friendly message lets callers know they’ve reached the right place and explains what to do next. Whether you’re recording a personal business voicemail or setting up greetings for an entire team, a little planning can […]
Blog 39
The main purpose of an explainer video is to explain something you offer. You might show how a product works or how a service benefits your customers. Either way, online explainer videos are a very effective marketing tool. When you pair your video with professional voice over narration, the message lands even better. Here are […]
Blog 40
Informative, entertaining and even clever videos can promote your business very effectively online. Viewers can watch with a click and easily share your video on social media or by email. You can use videos to introduce your company on your website or to promote a new product in your email campaigns. If you’ve decided to […]
Blog 41
Your automated phone greeting is often the first interaction a caller has with your business. Clear, welcoming instructions help callers find the right department, access useful information, and understand what to do next. A confusing phone menu can leave callers frustrated, especially when they can’t find the option they need. The goal is to keep […]
Blog 42
Is your business still using a traditional phone system? Switching to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system could give your team more flexibility in how you make and manage calls. VoIP uses an internet connection to carry voice calls instead of relying solely on traditional telephone lines. Depending on the provider and plan […]
Blog 43
Putting customers on hold is sometimes unavoidable. However, what callers hear while they wait can make a difference to their experience with your business. Silence can leave callers wondering whether they’re still connected. A professional message on hold, on the other hand, gives you an opportunity to keep them informed, share useful information, and reinforce […]
Blog 44
You’ve done your research, built a strategy and developed your brand voice. But what about the literal voice of your brand? When people hear your radio spots, watch your videos or call your phone line, whose voice do they hear? Learning how to choose a voice over artist is one of the most important audio […]
Blog 45
Whether you’re in Canada wanting to reach the French-speaking market or want to expand your market to Spanish-speakers in the United States, using a bilingual voice over in your message on hold and automated phone prompts is good for business. Language is woven into how we communicate, think and feel. Reaching a customer in their […]
Blog 46
Nobody likes being left on hold, especially when they’re calling a business for help. While some waiting is unavoidable when your team is busy, a frustrating phone experience can leave callers wondering whether they should keep waiting or take their business elsewhere. The time callers spend waiting to speak with someone is often referred to […]
Blog 47
We use technology for almost everything. Shopping, entertainment, sharing information and staying in touch can all happen with a tap on a mobile phone, and digital consumption is at an all-time high. Businesses can and should take advantage of these tools, but we shouldn’t forget the value of an old-fashioned, voice-to-voice conversation. Phone conversations with […]
Blog 48
Your business phone is one of your most valuable sales tools. For many customers, an inbound call is their very first contact with your company, and professional telephone etiquette decides whether that first impression helps or hurts you. It seems simple, so most businesses never train their teams on it. They should. At On Air, […]
Blog 49
Building a customer-focused culture is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Strong relationships and great customer care are key to your success. As a small business owner, you are incredibly busy, but you can’t lose sight of what keeps your business afloat: your customers. When you nurture relationships, you […]
Blog 50
Nobody likes waiting on hold. But when your team is busy helping other customers, a short wait may be unavoidable. The good news is that your callers don’t have to listen to silence or the same repetitive music while they wait. A well-planned message on hold can make the experience more enjoyable while giving your […]
Blog 51
When customers call your business, their experience starts before they speak to a member of your team. From the initial greeting to the time they spend waiting on hold, your phone system plays an important role in how callers experience your business. But if you’re looking for professional telephone recordings, you might be wondering whether […]
Blog 52
Have you ever called a business and heard an on hold message that sounded stiff, rushed, or oddly homemade? It’s hard to ignore, and it shapes how you feel about the company before anyone has said a word. If you’re deciding whether to hire a professional voiceover for your commercials, phone greetings, or on hold […]
Blog 53
Political campaigns can reach voters in more ways than ever. Door knocking and public speeches still matter, but candidates and parties now also run radio spots, television commercials, email campaigns and online video, including ads on YouTube, Facebook and X. The message matters most, but how it sounds shapes how voters receive it. A professional […]
Blog 54
Few things are as comforting as a warm, familiar voice telling a story. Think of The Princess Bride. Peter Falk’s gentle narration as the grandfather turns the whole film into a bedtime ritual. Take that voice away and it would be, well, inconceivable. So what makes a great audiobook narrator? It takes far more than […]
Blog 55
Great customer service is about more than answering questions or resolving complaints. It helps build trust, encourages repeat business, and shapes how people feel about your company. Every interaction matters, whether a customer is speaking with your team in person, browsing your website, or calling your business. A positive experience can strengthen a customer relationship, […]
Blog 56
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows businesses to make and receive phone calls using an internet connection or other IP-based network. Depending on the system and service provider, VoIP can offer features that make business communications more flexible, easier to manage, and potentially more cost-effective than traditional phone services. From supporting remote employees to improving […]
Blog 57
When customers call your auto parts store, they often know exactly what they need. They may have a part number, vehicle make and model, or a specific product in mind. While your team checks availability or tracks down the right part, you have an opportunity to tell them more about what your business offers. A […]
Blog 58
When customers call your business, the first thing they hear can shape their impression of your company. If your business serves customers across Canada, offering phone recordings in both English and French can help make that first interaction more welcoming. From automated phone greetings to messages on hold, bilingual phone recordings allow you to communicate […]
Blog 59
When customers call your business, you want to help them as quickly as possible. But during busy periods, putting callers on hold is sometimes unavoidable. What happens while they wait can influence how they feel about your business. Instead of leaving callers listening to silence or repetitive music, use that time to share helpful information […]
Blog 60
Your business phone system does more than connect calls. It’s an opportunity to welcome customers, share useful information, promote your services, and make a positive impression every time someone contacts your business. A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system can include automated phone menus, voicemail greetings, and messages on hold. With clear messaging and […]
— Hearing Is Believing
See how we've helped businesses, agencies and creators solve audio challenges, improve customer experiences and bring their messages to life.
AUD 01
Case Study 01
Our relationship with Alberta Blue Cross began in 2001, when we provided their message on hold recordings and the hardware needed to play them.
AUD 02
Case Study 02
Our long-standing relationship with this client began through our work with YXE Saskatoon Airport…
AUD 03
Case Study 03
WestJet approached On Air in 2004 during the early stages of its growth, issuing a Request for Proposal…
AUD 04
Case Study 04
Simon & Schuster was looking for a professional recording studio in Calgary to host a media interview for local author Douglas Century…
AUD 05
Case Study 05
The Client (Cervus Equipment/Brandt) Cervus Equipment is one of Canada’s leading John Deere equipment dealerships, operating locations across Western Canada.
AUD 06
Case Study 06
Numinus is a growing healthcare organization focused on expanding access to innovative wellness services.
