Last updated: August 2, 2026
An auto attendant is your virtual receptionist, the recorded voice that answers every call and points each one in the right direction. For small and mid-sized businesses, it's the closest thing to having a front-desk person who never takes a day off. And like a great receptionist, the right voice makes callers feel welcomed and confident they'll be helped.
This page covers what an auto attendant recording should include, ready-to-use scripts, and how to get one recorded with a real, professional human voice. It's part of our full guide: Voicemail Greetings: The Complete Guide
What is an auto attendant recording?
An auto attendant recording is the automated greeting and routing message that plays when someone calls your business. It typically includes a welcome line, a short menu of options, and instructions for reaching a person. It's closely related to IVR voice over. The difference is mostly scope: the auto attendant is the friendly receptionist greeting and main menu, while IVR can include deeper menu trees and prompts.
Auto attendant script examples
Standard auto attendant: "Thank you for calling [Business Name]. For sales, press 1. For support, press 2. For our hours and location, press 3. To speak with the next available team member, press 0."
Warm / small-business tone: "Hi, and thanks for calling [Business Name]. We're glad you're here. For appointments, press 1. For questions about your order, press 2. Or stay on the line and we'll connect you with someone who can help."
After-hours auto attendant: "Thank you for calling [Business Name]. You've reached us outside our normal hours of [hours]. To leave a message, press 1. For directions and information, visit [website]. We'll return your call on the next business day."
Multi-location: "Thank you for calling [Business Name]. For our [City A] location, press 1. For our [City B] location, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 0."
What makes an auto attendant sound professional?
- A real, warm human voice. Your auto attendant answers every call, so it sets the tone for the entire interaction. A synthetic voice makes a business feel impersonal from "hello." A real voice actor makes even a small company sound established and welcoming.
- A clear, short menu. Four or five options, action stated first.
- Consistency. The auto attendant, IVR prompts, on-hold messages, and voicemail greeting should all use the same voice so your business sounds like one cohesive brand.
Real humans, not AI
VoiceJungle records every auto attendant in a real human voice, never AI. Your virtual receptionist is often the first impression a caller gets, so it should sound like a person who's happy they called, not a machine reading a list. Real humans, real emotion, no AI voices.
Simple flat pricing, and you own it forever
Auto attendant recordings use the same straightforward pricing as everything at VoiceJungle: 38¢ per word, with a $55 minimum for scripts up to 30 words and an $85 minimum for scripts over 30 words. Pay once and own the recording forever with full rights, with no residuals and no licensing fees. One free revision is included, turnaround is fast with a 2-hour rush when you need it, and every order is backed by a money-back guarantee. Full details on the rates page, or try our price calculator to get an exact cost.
Record your virtual receptionist today
Give every caller a warm, professional welcome. Choose your voice, submit your script, and get a polished auto attendant recording back fast.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an auto attendant and IVR?
They overlap. The auto attendant is the welcoming receptionist greeting and main menu; IVR can include deeper menu trees, transfers, and error prompts. Many businesses order both together in one voice.
What should an auto attendant say?
A brief welcome, a short menu of 4 or 5 options with the action stated first, and a way to reach a live person.
Should I use a human or AI voice for my auto attendant?
A human voice, since it's your first impression on every call. VoiceJungle uses real human voice actors only.
How much does an auto attendant recording cost?
A flat 38¢ per word, with a $55 minimum for scripts up to 30 words and an $85 minimum for scripts over 30 words. You own the recording forever with no residuals.
Can I get my auto attendant, IVR, and voicemail in one matching voice?
Yes. Order them together so your entire phone system sounds consistent and professional.
