Barge-In Configuration

Control how users can interrupt the assistant while speaking.

Overview

Barge-in allows users to interrupt the assistant's speech. Configure it per action using the barge_in field.

Configuration

{
  "type": "speak",
  "session_id": "session-123",
  "text": "Hello!",
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "minimum_characters",
    "minimum_characters": 3,
    "allow_after_ms": 500
  }
}

Strategies

none

Disables barge-in completely. Audio plays fully without interruption.

{
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "none"
  }
}

Use cases:

• Critical information
• Legal disclaimers
• Emergency instructions

manual

Allows manual barge-in via API only (no automatic detection).

{
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "manual"
  }
}

Use cases:

• Custom interruption logic
• Button-triggered interruption
• External event-based interruption

minimum_characters

Automatically detects barge-in when user speech exceeds character threshold.

{
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "minimum_characters",
    "minimum_characters": 5,
    "allow_after_ms": 500
  }
}

Use cases:

• Natural conversation flow
• Customer service scenarios
• Interactive voice menus

Configuration Options

minimum_characters

Minimum number of characters before barge-in triggers.

• Default: 3
• Range: 1 to 100
• Higher values: Require more speech before interruption

allow_after_ms

Delay in milliseconds before barge-in is allowed (protection period).

• Default: 0 (immediate)
• Range: 0 to 10000 (10 seconds)
• Use: Prevent interruption during critical information

Examples

Natural Conversation

{
  "type": "speak",
  "session_id": "session-123",
  "text": "I can help you with billing, support, or sales.",
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "minimum_characters",
    "minimum_characters": 3
  }
}

Critical Information

{
  "type": "speak",
  "session_id": "session-123",
  "text": "Your verification code is 1-2-3-4-5-6.",
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "none"
  }
}

Protected Announcement

{
  "type": "speak",
  "session_id": "session-123",
  "text": "Your account number is 1234567890.",
  "barge_in": {
    "strategy": "minimum_characters",
    "minimum_characters": 10,
    "allow_after_ms": 2000
  }
}

Best Practices

1. Use none sparingly - Only for truly critical information
2. Default to minimum_characters - Provides natural flow
3. Set protection periods - For important announcements
4. Test with users - Find the right balance

Next Steps

• Speak Action - How to use barge-in
• User Speak Event with Barge-In Flag - Handle interruptions