How-To GuideBeginner5 min readIncludes video

Setting Up Your AI Receptionist's Initial Greeting

Learn the two ways to configure how your AI receptionist answers the phone: dynamic instruction-based greetings or static fixed messages.

Your AI receptionist's initial greeting is the first impression callers receive. This guide walks you through the two ways you can configure how your AI answers the phone.

Navigating to the Initial Greeting Settings

Go to the AI Logic Receptionist page
Scroll down to the Conversation Logic section
Click on Initial Greeting

Option 1: Dynamic Greeting (Instruction-Based)

With this approach, you provide instructions for how your AI should greet callers, rather than a word-for-word script.

How It Works

Your AI receptionist will vary its greeting each time while following your guidelines. The greeting will sound slightly different with each call, creating a more natural, human-like experience.

Best For

Businesses wanting a conversational, less robotic feel
Situations where slight variation feels more authentic
Greetings that should adapt to context (like mentioning the current day or time)

Example Instruction

"Greet the caller warmly, introduce yourself as the AI assistant for [Business Name], and ask how you can help them today."

The AI might say this differently each time—sometimes leading with "Hi there!" and other times with "Good afternoon!"—while still covering all the key points.

Option 2: Static Greeting (Fixed Message)

If you want your AI to say the exact same thing every time, use the Always use the same initial message toggle.

How It Works

Toggle on the "Always use the same initial message" option
Type your exact greeting in the text box provided
Your AI will use this precise message for every call

Best For

Businesses requiring strict consistency and brand compliance
Legal or compliance-driven scripts
Simple, straightforward greetings that don't need variation

Important Limitation

This option records your message once and plays it back exactly as written. Do not use this option if your greeting includes dynamic elements like:

Current date or day of the week
Time-based greetings ("Good morning" vs. "Good evening")
Any information that changes

For dynamic content, use the instruction-based approach instead.

Choosing the Right Option

Dynamic Greeting	Static Greeting
AI varies the wording naturally	Exact same message every time
Feels more human and conversational	Guarantees consistency
Supports dynamic content (dates, times)	No dynamic content—plays as recorded
Requires clear instructions	Requires exact script

Quick Summary

Want flexibility and a human touch? → Use the instruction-based dynamic greeting
Need the exact same message every call? → Toggle on "Always use the same initial message" and type your script

Both options give you control over that crucial first moment of every customer interaction.

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