ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., March 12, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- They're the voices that answer business telephones, prompting us to "press one" or "press two." They've become a part of our daily lives. According to Forrester Research, the U.S. market for voice services tops $150 billion, but not much is known about this niche business.
Where do those voices come from? Are they computer generated or are they real people?
"The best phone systems feature professionally, trained voices -- professionally recorded," says Susan Berkley, CEO of The Great Voice Company, based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. "This is important, because the message people hear when they call an organization creates a lasting first-impression."
Berkley, a successful voice-over artist, is no stranger to making positive first impressions. She is one of the voices that says, "Thank you for using AT&T," and she's the voice of Citiphone Banking.
Founded in 1987, The Great Voice Company records and produces voice messages for phone systems in all languages, using a variety of professional voice actors and native speakers in all languages.
Recording and digitizing takes place at the company's state-of-the-art facility in Englewood Cliffs, just minutes away from New York City's rich pool of international voice talent.
In addition to her Voice Messaging Division, Berkley established The Great Voice Company Training Division, which publishes books and tapes on presentation skills, voice mastery and voice-overs. She facilitates workshops and seminars on communication skills worldwide, as well.
A former radio personality (she became well known in the late 80s as a cast member on The Howard Stern Show) and a well-known voice on TV, radio commercials and phone lines, Berkley has been featured in The New York Times, The LA Times, Business Week, CNBC, and Bottom Line Personal, among others. She is the author of the book "Speak to Influence: How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Voice" and numerous magazine and trade journal articles.
For more information about Susan Berkley and The Great Voice Company, contact Michelle Russell at 201-541-8595 ext. 31 or check out www.greatvoice.com.