Adjusting Agent Pronunciation
Ensure agents in AVA pronounces names and phrases correctly using phonetic spelling techniques. This guide outlines tested methods and configurations to optimize voice accuracy.
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
Use common English syllables to shape the desired sound.
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"
Use this when a name is often mispronounced or has regional differences.
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
Configuration
Usage and Results
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.