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Overview

The speak method allows you to make the AI agent speak specific text directly, without any processing. It’s basically Text-to-Speech.

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Using speak Method

The React SDK provides a speak method on the conversation object: 
import { useConversation } from "@outspeed/react";

// Inside a React component
const conversation = useConversation({});

// Make the agent speak specific text
await conversation.speak("Hey there, I'm Perry from Outspeed! How can I help you today?");
The text will be added to the context as a message item.

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Key Differences

MethodPurposeBehavior
sendText()Send user messageAI processes the message and generates a response
speak()Direct speech outputAI speaks the exact text provided without processing

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Example Usage

function VoiceAnnouncements() {
  const conversation = useConversation({});

  const makeAnnouncement = async (text: string) => {
    try {
      await conversation.speak(text);
    } catch (error) {
      console.error("Failed to speak:", error);
    }
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={() => makeAnnouncement("Welcome to our service!")}>
        Welcome Message
      </button>
      
      <button onClick={() => makeAnnouncement("Please hold while we connect you.")}>
        Hold Message
      </button>
      
      <button onClick={() => makeAnnouncement("Thank you for using Outspeed!")}>
        Thank You Message
      </button>
    </div>
  );
}

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Common Use Cases

  • System announcements: Status updates or notifications
  • Predefined responses: Quick replies without AI processing
  • Error messages: Speaking error states directly
  • Welcome messages: Greeting users with specific text
  • Instructions: Providing step-by-step guidance

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Complete Example

function CustomerService() {
  const [isOnHold, setIsOnHold] = useState(false);
  const conversation = useConversation({});

  const putOnHold = async () => {
    setIsOnHold(true);
    await conversation.speak("Please hold while I transfer you to a specialist. This may take a few moments.");
  };

  const removeFromHold = async () => {
    setIsOnHold(false);
    await conversation.speak("Thank you for holding. How can I assist you today?");
  };

  const endCall = async () => {
    await conversation.speak("Thank you for contacting us. Have a great day!");
    await conversation.endSession();
  };

  return (
    <div>
      {isOnHold ? (
        <button onClick={removeFromHold}>Take Off Hold</button>
      ) : (
        <button onClick={putOnHold}>Put On Hold</button>
      )}
      
      <button onClick={endCall}>End Call</button>
    </div>
  );
}