Glossary

What is IVR?

Also called: press 1 for sales

IVR, or interactive voice response, is a menu-driven phone system where the caller presses keys or says fixed words to move through pre-recorded options.

It follows a decision tree written in advance. It cannot handle a question that was not anticipated, and it cannot capture an answer given in free speech.

Why it matters for Indian calling. Most 'AI calling' complaints in India describe IVR. Knowing the difference is what stops a buyer paying voice-agent prices for a menu.

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