10 Things to Avoid in Making a Call Script

Things to Avoid when Making your Call Scripts:

A script is more of a guide than a must strictly follow rule. Many call centers make script errors which result in repeating mistakes. Here are 10 tips to avoid common errors call centers encounter when writing scripts:

1. Avoid formatting the script in long paragraphs that promote mechanical reading.

2. Omit irrelevant information.

3. Avoid accepting any limitation or fault on your side immediately.

4. Avoid “blaming” or criticizing the customer from the outset.

5. Don’t talk to the point; you need to proactively build relationships with customers to generate more business.

6. Don’t forget to include a proper follow-up plan. Without follow-through, your customers’ frustrations will quickly escalate to permanent anger.

7. Don’t require a full agent script, because it can diminish the customer rapport.

8. Avoid a long greeting or closing. Customers hear enough about who they're calling in the IVR (interactive voice response), so make greetings short and simple – identify the brand, yourself and get down to business.

9. Don’t require inflated cheerfulness or an overly polite tone. Saying please and thank you is customary, but requiring it after every request annoys many customers.

10. Don’t repeat the same questions. If a question was asked on a previous contact or in the IVR, don't ask it again. That applies to verification, phone numbers or anything that should have been captured in the first contact. Leverage your CRM application, automatic-number ID pop-ups, softphone capabilities and any previous data stored.

Last, but certainly not least, consider timing. Don't measure on calls per hour or minutes per call — you're just setting yourself up for bad customer service, instead, measure on key performance metrics that are aligned to your strategy.