Any speech generation tips?

When working with speech-native generative models like Amazon Nova Sonic, it's important to optimize your prompts and conversational context for spoken interactions. Here are some key tips:

1. Focus on auditory comprehension: Structure your content for easy listening rather than reading. Use clear, conversational language and avoid complex structures that might be difficult to follow when spoken.

2. Use verbal cues and signposting: Incorporate phrases like "Let me explain three key points" or "To summarize what we discussed" to help listeners follow the conversation flow.

3. Keep responses concise: In chatty scenarios, aim for short responses of two or three sentences. This helps maintain engagement and prevents information overload.

4. Incorporate conversational markers: Use natural speech elements like "Well," "You know," or "Actually" to make the interaction feel more authentic.

5. Employ thoughtful pauses: Use ellipses or other indicators to represent brief thinking moments, which can make the conversation feel more natural.

6. Provide verbal organization: Use numbered points, clear transitions, and explicit summaries to enhance listener comprehension.

7. Include emotional expression: Use textual emotion indicators like "Haha" or "Hmm" to convey emotions verbally.

8. Adapt for memory constraints: Focus on one key point at a time when explaining complex information, as spoken interactions have different memory dynamics compared to text.

9. Prioritize natural dialogue flow: Guide the conversation as you would in a natural spoken interaction, rather than using formal instructional structures.

10. Seek confirmation: In speech-based interactions, it's important to verify understanding before moving forward, especially when dealing with critical information.

Remember, while you can steer the content and conversational style through your prompts, you can't directly control speech attributes like accent or pitch. The model will determine these based on the context of the conversation.
Sources
System prompt authoring guidelines and examples - Amazon Nova
Speech-friendly content techniques - Amazon Nova
Amazon Nova Sonic prompting best practices - Amazon Nova
Best practices for the Amazon Nova Sonic system prompt - Amazon Nova