Tired of those phone systems that ask you a million questions, only to take you to a place you don’t want to go? Wouldn’t you love to talk to a REAL person so you can get some actual help for a change?

Then try some of these tips that just might get you to a real live person!

Speak Spanish. If you reach the Spanish speaking employee, chances are you will be connected to someone who is bilingual.

Hit zero. Some of the older phone systems will send you to an operator when you do this. If zero does not work, press numbers arbitrarily, including the # symbol.

Speak very quietly. Some phone systems are programmed to connect you to a person if the computer program does not understand you. You can also try speaking gibberish to confuse the phone’s computer system.

Select “Cancel Service.” More than likely a person will be on the phone with you instantly.

Say “get human.”

Don’t push any buttons or say anything, pretending that you are calling from a rotary phone.

Use an 800 number if possible, which usually has a shorter wait time.

Opt for a corporate directory. Press any letter as if you are looking for someone who has that letter in their name. Select whichever name the system gives you.

And finally, my favorite.

CURSE! Many answering systems are programmed to detect angry cursing, which often puts you next in line!