Overview
When working with voice agents in AVA, one common challenge is making sure names and key phrases are pronounced correctly during calls. This is especially important for brand names, people’s names, or unique terms that may be misread by standard text-to-speech systems. This guide introduces a set of techniques you can use to manually adjust how something is spoken — using phonetic spelling, syllable breaks, and formatting strategies that AVA interprets accurately across its supported voices.Phonetic Spelling Techniques
These methods help AVA pronounce your input the way it sounds rather than how it’s written.Method 1: Spell It How It Sounds
This method works well for short or simple names:- “Jason” →
JAY-suhn - “Edamame” →
ed-a-mom-may
Method 2: Break Down By Syllables
Use hyphens or spaces to separate your input into syllables. This improves rhythm and stress handling in longer names or phrases.- “Comfortable” →
com-fort-a-ble - “Unbelievable” →
un-be-liev-a-ble
Method 3: Use Quotation Marks
For emphasis or tricky spellings, place quotation marks around the part you want AVA to focus on."Michael"Mi"chael"
Advanced Techniques
These techniques are useful when simpler spelling tweaks don’t produce the right sound.Common Phonetic Vowel Substitutions
| Sound | Example | Spelling Tip |
|---|---|---|
| A as in “fat” | NAN-see | a |
| A as in “ape” | JAY-suhn | ay |
| A as in “father” | Ah-dree-AH-nah | ah |
| E as in “check” | KEN | e |
| E as in “green” | Mah-REE-ah | ee |
| I as in “ice” | MY-kuhl | y |
| I as in “hit” | LIHN-dee | ih |
| O as in “hot” | JAHN | ah |
| O as in “open” | ROHZ | oh |
Consonant Tricks
| Sound | Example | Spelling Tip |
|---|---|---|
| GI as in “giant” | Jee-AH-nah | j |
| GI as in “gift” | GIH-dee-uhn | gh |
Testing Your Pronunciation
Use AVA’s preview tools or live testing methods to fine-tune pronunciation.- Try multiple versions of the same name until it sounds right.
- Use the “Listen” feature during agent configuration.
- Test via mock calls for real-time results and transcript review.
- Record and compare takes when using voice preview options.
Guidelines by Name Type
Names with Unusual Spellings
- Focus on how the name sounds, not how it’s written.
- Example:
Nguyen→WIN
Names with Silent Letters
- Remove silent characters from the phonetic spelling.
- Example:
Schmidt→Schmitt
Names with Accents or Diacritics
- Use equivalent sounds:
é→ay- Example:
Renée→Ruh-NAY
FAQs & Troubleshooting
General Questions
Why is AVA mispronouncing a name?
Why is AVA mispronouncing a name?
AVA uses a standard text-to-speech engine, which may interpret unusual spellings or non-English names incorrectly. Use phonetic spelling or test different syllable groupings to find what works.
Can I use emojis or symbols to control pronunciation?
Can I use emojis or symbols to control pronunciation?
No. Non-standard characters like emojis or unusual punctuation may cause errors. Stick to hyphens, quotation marks, and phonetic spelling only.
Does voice selection impact pronunciation?
Does voice selection impact pronunciation?
Yes. Each voice has a different accent and tone model. If one voice mispronounces something, another may say it correctly — try switching voices during testing.
Configuration
Where do I input phonetic spellings in AVA?
Where do I input phonetic spellings in AVA?
You can enter them in any free text field used in introductions, names, voicemail messages, or prompts. Use test calls to confirm if pronunciation is correct.
Can I configure pronunciation in multiple languages?
Can I configure pronunciation in multiple languages?
Yes, but phonetic accuracy depends on the selected language voice. For example, using English phonetics with a Spanish voice may produce poor results.
Is there a character limit for phonetic fields?
Is there a character limit for phonetic fields?
Most fields have generous limits, but extremely long inputs can confuse the AI. Keep phonetic names concise and test them early.
Usage and Results
Do quotation marks always work for pronunciation?
Do quotation marks always work for pronunciation?
Not always. Quotation marks are useful for short emphasis but should not replace proper phonetic spelling. Try combining techniques if needed.
Can I preview pronunciation without making a call?
Can I preview pronunciation without making a call?
Yes, many voice selection menus have a “Listen” button with a preset voice line. For best results, use the “Test Agent” feature in AVA for real speech simulation of your script.
For additional questions or guidance, try using our Virtual Support Agent! Available 24/7 to help resolve most issues quickly at thinkrr.ai/support. If you still need assistance, visit our support site at help.thinkrr.ai and submit a Ticket or contact our team directly at hello@thinkrr.ai.