Getting the most from Blaster

I would like to thank those users that have sent me examples of how they are using HeyCosmo Blaster to communicate with, and organize, their family and friends. We see a lot of users sticking to the default scripts, but Blaster is at its best when you customize it to do what “you” need it to do.

We are on the verge of releasing HeyCosmo Blaster with a voice input option, where instead of typing your Blast you will be able to record it either through your computer microphone or from your telephone. This will have the advantage of your friends recognizing your voice when they receive your Blast, and will make the application easy to use on a mobile phone. However, we know that many users really like the text-to-speech function which will still be available—everyone will have their choice and can make a decision based on how they want to use Blaster.

The suggestions in this article are directed specifically towards the typed text option that is available at this time. These are some things to keep in mind when customizing your Blaster script to give you maximum communication.

First, make sure that your Blast communicates what you want to say. The introduction of the call tells them who is Blasting, provided you are using your correct name and phone number (check the settings in the upper right after you log on), but you need to tell them why.

Second, you should also tell them that they will be given options, if you are going to give those options. This lets them know that they need to prepare to select the best option given.

Example: The book club is meeting at my house on Saturday, at 3 o’clock. I need to find out who is planning to read at that meeting. Please choose from the following options.

Try to anticipate what your friends would ask if they heard your Blast. Just because they know you, it doesn’t mean that they know where you live? Some possible confusion can be fixed by using well worded options.

Third, start your options by letting them know that they will need to press “1” for the first option; press “2” for the second; etc. Don’t assume that they know this, and then use as few options as necessary. Additionally, if you are organizing a party and are looking to see what people want to bring, it is nice to have a final option that will fit anyone who don’t necessarily want to press the previous options. You remember the old multiple-choice tests in school where option c was “all of the above” and option d was “none of the above?”

Example (from above): Press “1” if you will be reading at Saturday’s meeting. Press “2” if you are not reading at the meeting. Press “3” if you have a question and need me to call you personally.

The fourth point is regarding punctuation—a comma or period will give the text-to-speech voice a slight pause. This will give the voice a more natural flow and will make your message easier to understand. Also, by using a question mark at the end of a sentence where you are asking a question because it will raise the inflection on the end of that sentence. Of course most people type an interrogative sentence with a questions mark, but we have seen some get a little lazy, not realizing that it does affect the text-to-speech voice. I recommend that before sending your blast to a large group of friends, first send your complete message to a second phone from which you can hear the message yourself.

I realize that the HeyCosmo Blaster application is really easy to use and really doesn’t take any time to start using. I hope, in this light, that this article doesn’t make anybody “over think” how to use this powerful tool. The intent is that it will make HeyCosmo Blaster an even more effective tool for you, and inspire additional directions and uses.

We saw some really resourceful ways of using HeyCosmo Blaster to organize last week’s Halloween parties and get-togethers. With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching and the burden of organizing family gatherings elevates our holiday anxiety, might I suggest making HeyCosmo Blaster the focus of your organization? Let HeyCosmo do the calling so you can enjoy the holiday! Here is an example of a Blast I will be using this year:

Message:
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 27 this year. As we talked about last year, we will all be meeting at mom’s house for dinner, which will be at around 5 o’clock in the afternoon. We need to know who will be staying at the house. Please select the appropriate option:
Option:Press 1, if you would like to stay over night at mom’s house.
Option response: Great we are going to have such a great time.
Option:Press 2, if you will not be staying over night at mom’s house.
Option response: That’s too bad, but it’s great you’re coming.
Option:Press 3, if you won’t be able to come for Thanksgiving at all.
Option response: Sorry to hear that. We’ll talk soon.

Please send me your useful scripts so we can share them with everybody. Send an email to me, or add it as a comment to this blog.

Mike