Art of Eloquence Blog — phone tree RSS

If you've ever tried to call customer service in the last decade, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be.  Getting through the phone tree to the right department can be difficult enough, but getting to speak to a live person might take an act of Congress. Then there's the challenge of getting what you want from a customer service rep who is paid a little more than minimum wage and has little to no customer service training and absolutely no vested interest in the company for which he or she is working.  If calling THAT company again gives you nightmares, read on!   1. Getting through the Automated Audrey Phone Tree If the above picture doesn't send shivers...

Have you ever called a large company and found yourself in the middle of... THE PHONE TREE!  (phone tree...tree...tree...) If you have, you've likely experienced the frustration of one of my biggest communication pet peeves.  Desperate to find the answers you seek, you remain on the line long after the hold music has stopped.  You've pressed every button known to man and you've tried to connect with every department you think just MIGHT have something to do with your particular issue.  After endless patience and wearing your index finger down to a nub, you find you've finally reached a live body and, well...here's a little scenario I wrote that helps illustrate THE PHONE TREE.  (phone tree...tree...tree...) Press 1 if you...