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AI Troubleshooting/Common Errors

Tips for improving AI receptionist responses—fix pronunciation, phrasing, numbers, and call categorization for smoother conversations.

Updated this week

If your AI receptionist isn’t sounding quite right or missing key details, here are some common issues and how to fix them. These adjustments help improve clarity, pronunciation, and overall caller experience.


1. AI Mispronounces State Abbreviations

Issue: AI says “OK” instead of “Oklahoma”
Solution:

  • Use state abbreviations only in the Address field.

  • In FAQs or scripts, spell out the full state name.


2. AI Mispronounces Website

Issue: Website name isn’t said clearly
Solutions:

  • Add a Phonetic Spelling (e.g., “abby dot com”)

  • Or create an FAQ like:
    “What is your website?” → “Our website is abby dot com.”


3. Responses Sound Robotic

Issue: AI sounds unnatural when answering questions
Solution:

  • Write answers in full, conversational sentences.

  • Avoid fragments like “Can assist w/ tax services.”

  • Instead, write: “We can assist with tax services, along with other offerings.”


4. Mispronounced Words or Names

Issue: AI mispronounces specific terms
Solution:

  • Use the Phonetic Spellings menu to add custom pronunciation.

  • Test by calling the line to confirm accuracy.


5. Numbers Read Incorrectly

Example: AI says “2-15” instead of “two hundred fifteen”
Solution:

  • Spell out numbers exactly as you want them spoken.

  • Example: Write “35 hundred” instead of “3,500.”


6. Currency Symbols Not Recognized

Example: AI says “2-15” instead of “two hundred fifteen dollars”
Solution:

  • Avoid using symbols like “$”

  • Instead, write: “two hundred fifteen dollars”


7. Call Type Descriptions Are Vague

Issue: AI doesn’t categorize calls correctly
Solution:

  • Write descriptions as if you’re coaching the AI on what to listen for.

  • Example: “Caller may ask for the person handling credit card processing.”


Final Tip

Always write content as if you’re speaking it out loud. The AI reads most inputs verbatim, so natural phrasing makes a big difference.

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