Interactive voice response

Imagine you call a number and hear a voice that asks you to press a number on the phone keypad to do different things like talk to a person, get information or hear a message. This is called an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. It's like talking to a robot on the phone that helps you get different things done without having to talk to a real person.

The IVR system uses computer technology to understand what you are saying or what numbers you are pressing on the phone keypad. The computer then provides you with different options or takes actions based on your choices. For example, if you press 1, the computer may transfer your call to a customer service agent, and if you press 2, it may provide you with information about the balance on your account.

In summary, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a computer system that helps you interact with a company or organization over the phone by pressing numbers on your phone keypad or speaking to the computer.