The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically transformed how we interact with technology, particularly through voice-based systems. With the increasing popularity of voice-activated devices, smart assistants, and AI receptionists, the era of speaking to machines is becoming more common. However, despite these advancements, we find ourselves in an interesting transition phase where people are still learning how to communicate effectively with AI.
At Nort Labs, we’ve dedicated countless hours to studying thousands of interactions with our voice AI, Lucy. And what we’ve discovered is that most people still don’t quite know how to talk to AI as they would with another human being. Many approach voice systems with hesitation, as though speaking to a traditional phone answering service — one that’s slow, rigid, and incapable of understanding natural speech. But Lucy is far from that. As an advanced AI voice receptionist, she’s designed to handle real, human-like conversations. So, how can you improve your experience when speaking to AI? Let’s dive into what we’ve learned and how you can adapt to this new era of human-to-machine communication.
We’re in the Learning Phase
Voice-based AI systems, like Lucy, represent a significant leap forward in technology, but we’re still in the early stages of perfecting these interactions. While Lucy is remarkably advanced, there are still elements of voice interactions that users need to adapt to, particularly in terms of latency and interruptions. In many ways, speaking to AI is a learned skill, just like how early users of the internet had to adapt to the constraints of dial-up connections before the web became second nature.
The technology behind Lucy is continuously evolving, with improvements in processing speed, response time, and natural language comprehension. However, during this developmental stage, it’s crucial to recognize that even the most advanced AI systems have limitations, and understanding how to best communicate with them can drastically improve the user experience.
Understanding Latency: Patience is Key
One of the most common issues users encounter when speaking to AI is latency — the slight delay between giving a command or asking a question and receiving a response. While AI technology like Lucy is constantly improving to reduce this lag, it’s important to recognize that there will sometimes be a short pause as the system processes what you’ve said.
In human-to-human conversations, we often don’t notice small pauses as both parties think about what to say next. But with AI, even a brief moment of silence can make users feel uncertain about whether the system understood them or if they need to repeat their request. Here are some tips to handle latency when speaking to AI:
Be Patient: If you experience a short delay, resist the urge to immediately repeat your question. Give the AI time to process and respond. Interrupting the system can confuse it and result in inaccurate answers.
Pause After Each Statement: Instead of running multiple questions together in rapid succession, pause briefly after each command or question. This gives the AI time to respond appropriately without getting overwhelmed by too much information at once.
Avoid Overloading the System: AI is capable of handling complex conversations, but it performs best when information is presented clearly and in a structured manner. If you have several questions, ask them one at a time rather than lumping everything into a single query.
Navigating Interruptions: Let the AI Finish
Another common habit we’ve observed in users is interrupting the AI mid-response. This is largely due to preconceived notions of how traditional automated systems work. In the past, people often rushed through voice interactions because phone systems were designed to be rigid and inflexible. Users learned to speak quickly, often without waiting for prompts, to avoid getting stuck in a loop or transferred to the wrong department. But with advanced AI systems like Lucy, this approach is no longer necessary — and it can even hinder communication.
Lucy is capable of engaging in a fluid, human-like conversation, but she needs to finish processing and delivering her responses without being cut off. Here’s how to manage interruptions effectively:
Wait for the AI to Complete Its Response: Unlike traditional phone systems, Lucy doesn’t need to be rushed. Let her complete her response before you jump in with a follow-up question or clarification. This allows the conversation to flow more naturally and ensures that all relevant information is communicated.
Rephrase Instead of Interrupting: If you think the AI misunderstood your question or command, wait for it to finish before rephrasing or clarifying your point. Interrupting may result in confusion or incomplete answers.
Trust the System: Remember, AI voice receptionists like Lucy are designed to engage in meaningful conversations. Trust the AI to handle your request or question thoroughly, and you’ll likely find the experience smoother than expected.
Building Confidence in Speaking to AI
One of the most surprising findings from our research at Nort Labs is that many users lack the confidence to speak to AI in a natural, conversational way. It’s as if they still expect the AI to function like outdated automated answering systems — mechanical, clunky, and not capable of understanding nuance or context. However, Lucy is built to interpret natural language and carry on conversations much like a human would. This means you don’t need to simplify your language or stick to rigid commands.
Here are a few ways to build confidence when speaking to AI:
Speak Naturally: You don’t need to use short, robotic phrases. Speak as you would to a human. Lucy is programmed to understand a wide range of vocabulary and can process conversational speech, including slang and informal phrases.
Don’t Fear Mistakes: If the AI misunderstands you, don’t feel discouraged. The system is designed to learn from interactions and improve over time. Every interaction helps refine its ability to process language and respond more accurately.
Engage in Back-and-Forth Dialogue: Unlike traditional answering systems, which were essentially question-and-answer machines, AI like Lucy can engage in a two-way conversation. If you need more information or clarification, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions, just as you would with a human colleague.
How AI Voice Systems Differ from Traditional Phone Answering Systems
One of the main reasons people struggle to engage confidently with AI is because of lingering associations with old-school phone systems. For years, automated systems have been frustratingly limited in their capabilities — unable to understand natural speech, often providing pre-recorded options that didn’t fit the user’s needs, and requiring users to navigate rigid menus. In contrast, AI voice systems like Lucy are a game-changer.
Here’s how Lucy differs from the traditional phone systems of the past:
Advanced Language Comprehension: Lucy doesn’t rely on pre-set commands. She’s designed to understand natural, flowing speech. Whether you’re asking for specific information or engaging in a more nuanced conversation, she can process and respond appropriately.
Context Awareness: Lucy is able to retain and apply context throughout a conversation. This means she remembers details from earlier in the conversation, allowing for more dynamic and human-like interactions.
Human-Like Responses: Unlike traditional systems that offer a limited set of options, AI voice systems like Lucy can provide detailed, nuanced answers, just like a human receptionist or colleague. This makes them ideal for workplace applications, where users might need quick, specific information or want to engage in more in-depth conversations.
Continuous Learning: AI systems are constantly improving. Every interaction helps Lucy become better at understanding user intent, even if phrased in different ways or spoken with different accents.
Tips for Maximizing Your AI Voice Experience
Now that we’ve explored some of the key challenges and opportunities when speaking to AI, let’s summarize a few practical tips for getting the most out of your interactions:
Speak Clearly and Naturally: Don’t overthink your phrasing. Speak to the AI as you would a human, using your normal voice and language.
Embrace Pauses: Give the AI time to process and respond. Patience ensures smoother interactions.
Avoid Repeating Yourself: If the AI takes a moment to respond, resist the urge to repeat your question or command. This can confuse the system and lead to errors.
Ask for Clarification: Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or clarify points if needed. The AI is designed for dynamic, two-way communication.
Trust the Technology: AI voice systems like Lucy are far more advanced than traditional systems. Trust them to handle complex requests and conversations.
Conclusion
As we continue to refine and improve AI voice systems like Lucy, the way we interact with machines will become increasingly indistinguishable from the way we converse with humans. While we’re still in the learning phase, there’s no doubt that these systems are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. By understanding and adapting to the nuances of latency, interruptions, and natural speech, we can unlock the full potential of AI voice communication.
At Nort Labs, we believe that AI is not just a tool, but a conversation partner — one that’s continually evolving and improving with every interaction. So, the next time you engage with Lucy or any other AI, remember that you’re not just speaking to a machine — you’re engaging with a powerful, intelligent system designed to understand, respond, and communicate just like a human.
