First message

assistant_firstmodedefault yes

Says your first message as soon as the call connects. This is the usual choice for inbound calls.

wait_for_usermode

Stays quiet until the other side speaks. Use it for outbound calls, where people usually say hello first.

model_generatedmode

Writes the opening line from the instructions on each call, so it can change with the time of day or what is known about the caller.

#Writing a good greeting

• Say the business name so callers know they reached the right place.
• Give the assistant a name if it has one.
• End with a question so the caller knows it is their turn.
• Keep it short. A ten-second greeting feels long on the phone.

Thanks for calling Brightside Dental, this is Ava. How can I help?

Hello and welcome to Brightside Dental, where your smile is our priority! My name is Ava, and I am an AI assistant here to help you with bookings, questions and more. How may I assist you today?

#Personalise it

The first message supports variables, so outbound calls can open with the person's name:

Hi {{first_name}}, this is Ava from Brightside Dental, calling about your appointment on {{appointment_day}}. Is now a good time?

If the recording notice is on, it is said right after the first message.