VAPI•8mo ago

How to delay playing First Message?

When I use the "Web" interface in order to "Talk to Assistant", the "First Message" is played in full. However, with Twilio integration, the begining of the "First Message" is clipped. Is there a way I can delay the playing of the First Message?

I tried adjusting "Wait seconds"; however, it doesn't seem to have any effect.

Vapi Support BotAPP•5/14/25, 3:10 PM

I couldn't find enough info to answer your question about delaying the First Message with Twilio integration or fixing the audio clipping issue. I did find that the 'Wait seconds' setting controls how long the assistant stays silent, but there's nothing specific about its effect on the First Message or Twilio (source). I'm escalating this to a human teammate who should be able to help you out!

⤵️ Mention @Vapi Support Bot for follow-ups 🐥

extreme-purple•5/14/25, 5:07 PM

Review your Twilio configuration, try introducing a delay in Twilio Functions, and check Vapi’s audio settings..

managerial-maroonOP•5/14/25, 10:03 PM

Is there a way a delay the First Message using the Vapi Dashboard?

extreme-purple•5/14/25, 10:15 PM

By adjusting the “Start Speaking Plan” in your assistant’s settings to set a custom response delay..

managerial-maroonOP•5/14/25, 10:46 PM

My "First Message" is set to "One. Two. Three. Four." and the "Wait seconds" is set to 5 in the Start Speaking Plan. The first message generally starts with "Two." In other words, it frequently clips the "One."

managerial-maroonOP•5/14/25, 10:47 PM

Am I adjusting the correct setting? Please let me know if I can povide any further information.

KyleAPP•5/17/25, 12:08 AM

Hey! To help track down this issue, could you share:

The call ID

Ccomprehensive-tomato Hey! To help track down this issue, could you share: - The call ID

managerial-maroonOP•5/18/25, 12:25 PM

33abf6c1-10de-42ac-9df0-b4e74fc2dec3

Ccomprehensive-tomato Hey! To help track down this issue, could you share: - The call ID

managerial-maroonOP•5/18/25, 12:27 PM

It works as expected when I use the "Talk to Assistant" in order to start the conversation. However, when I call in from Twillio, it clips the first part of the message most of the time; hence, the majority of the call IDs in my account are associated with this issue.

KyleAPP•5/19/25, 6:28 PM

There is a workaround for Cartesia, where you can implement SSML to do a 'pause' before the firstMessage.

KyleAPP•5/19/25, 6:47 PM

https://docs.cartesia.ai/2025-04-16/build-with-cartesia/formatting-text-for-sonic-2/inserting-breaks-pauses

How to delay playing First Message?

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