STS - Speech to Speech Services

 

Image Description: Three people, top part of the body all in black, top person is female, with glasses, has a phone on her right ear, text in black on the right side of the female, "STS USER", in the middle, a person with headphones, text in black on right, "CA", on the bottom, a man in black and a phone on his left ear, with text below, "VOICE", shows arrows pointing to each person how the call process works from STS USER - CA - VOICE.

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Dial 7-1-1 or 1-877-833-6341

Speech-to-Speech (STS) is especially useful for people who are speech-disabled or have difficulty being understood on the telephone. STS involves specially trained WATRS Communication Assistant (CA) who are familiar with the speech patterns of a wide variety of individuals who have difficulty being understood.

Create a Customer Profile so that every call through WATRS is immediately connected and processed in STS mode.

Placing STS Calls

  • Dial 711 or the toll-free STS number for your state.
  • Provide the STS WATRS CA the number you wish to call, plus any special instructions.
  • The WATRS CA will ask the person you are calling if he/she is familiar with STS. If the person is not, the WATRS CA will explain how STS works before the conversation begins.
  • The WATRS CA will repeat your part of the conversation, in short phrases, unless you request otherwise. The WATRS CA will work closely with you to ensure your entire conversation is understood.
  • Say “Go Ahead” or “GA” each time you are finished speaking and are ready for a response. The conversation will proceed in this manner until the call is complete.
  • To end your call, say “GA to SK” or simply say “Goodbye.”

Helpful Tips

  • Establish a Customer Profile to store helpful information about your calls. This will allow the WATRS CA to process your calls more efficiently.
  • Give the WATRS CA as much information as possible about your call prior to the WATRS CA dialing. For example, if you know you are calling an automated system that requires you to select from a number of options, let the WATRS CA know which options you want before the call is placed.
  • If you reach an answering machine, the WATRS CA will request and verify your full message and then call back to leave that message.
  • It is helpful if you pause while the WATRS CA repeats your part of the conversation.
  • You or the person you are calling may request that the WATRS CA remain in the background. If you need the WATRS CA to assist at any time during the call, you must request the WATRS CA to do so. This is especially helpful when calling family, friends or others who are familiar with your speech.