Methods, systems and computer program products for operating a voice response system are provided. Aspects include receiving, by the voice response system, a voice command from a first user and determining an operating mode of the voice response system. Aspects also include obtaining, by the voice response system, a response preference of the first user and determining a response to the voice command. The response is determined based at least in part on the response preference of the first user and the operating mode of the voice response system. Aspects also include providing the response to the first user.