Not all introductions are created equal

Need a subscription?
Create a collection of the pages you’d like to visit again when you sign-up for a free 9P account.
Save your progress and pick up where you left off by creating a free 9P account.
The elements of AIDET® are important in every interaction with a customer/partner. With that in mind, it is not a script. It is a set of five fundamental objectives to be met in the context of your interaction with others.
Elements of AIDET® do not have to be delivered in any specific order, nor do all of the elements have to be included in every interaction.
AIDET® can be used in all departments and industries. It is a valuable tool for all types of interactions. For example, when calling any IT help desk with a computer problem, customers appreciate:
A: Being acknowledged
I: Knowing who they are speaking with and that the team is experienced and can handle request
D: Knowing when they can expect things to occur
E: Understanding what is happening and what the next step will be
T: Hearing a pleasant close to the conversation like, “Thanks for letting me know about this issue.”
In telephone conversations, AIDET® is extremely important. Much of our intended message is lost when we cannot rely on the visual cues of body language. Standardizing the content of telephone communication with AIDET® can fill some of that gap.
There are times when you will need to verbalize only one or two of the elements of AIDET®. For example, if you have had several phone conversations with a customer, it is not necessary to introduce yourself. The communication process is a dynamic one. The decision to “skip” one of the elements should be deliberate and made only after ensuring the customer already has that information. It is essential to assess if the customer has the necessary information and, if not, fill in any gaps that exist.
Managing up and positioning yourself and your team in a positive light is often done with an initial introduction. It may be useful to repeat this communication, if you sense increased customer anxiety.
Duration is best communicated in specific time increments. Words like soon, not long, or as soon as possible do not achieve the desired outcome. When you cannot commit to a specific time, commit to a specific time interval in which you will update the customer on progress.
Create a collection of the pages you’d like to visit again when you sign-up for a free 9P account.
Save your progress and pick up where you left off by creating a free 9P account.
© 2020 Huron Consulting Group Inc. and affiliates. Huron is a global consultancy and not a CPA firm, and does not provide attest services, audits, or other engagements in accordance with standards established by the AICPA or auditing standards promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). Huron is not a law firm; it does not offer, and is not authorized to provide, legal advice or counseling in any jurisdiction. Huron is the trading name of Pope Woodhead & Associates Ltd.