Pause
Pause execution for a specified duration.
Pause
The Pause verb pauses VoxML execution for a specified number of seconds, creating silence on the call.
Example
{
"voxml_version": "1.0",
"instructions": [
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Please wait while we look up your account."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 3
},
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Thank you for waiting."
}
]
}Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| length | integer | no | 1 | Number of seconds to pause |
Basic Usage
Pause for 1 second (default):
{
"verb": "Pause"
}Pause for a specific duration:
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 5
}Use Cases
Creating Natural Pauses
Add pauses between statements for clarity:
{
"voxml_version": "1.0",
"instructions": [
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Your account balance is 5000 rupees."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 2
},
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Your next payment is due on April 15th."
}
]
}Simulating Processing Time
{
"voxml_version": "1.0",
"instructions": [
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Let me check that for you."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 4
},
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "I found your order. It was shipped yesterday."
}
]
}Spacing Out Repeated Messages
{
"voxml_version": "1.0",
"instructions": [
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "All agents are currently busy."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 10
},
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Please continue to hold."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 10
},
{
"verb": "Redirect",
"url": "https://example.com/check-queue"
}
]
}Before Important Prompts
Give callers time to prepare before input:
{
"voxml_version": "1.0",
"instructions": [
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Please have your account number ready."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 2
},
{
"verb": "Gather",
"input": "dtmf",
"action_url": "https://example.com/verify-account",
"say": {
"text": "Please enter your 10-digit account number."
}
}
]
}Maximum Duration
While there's no hard limit on pause length, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Pauses longer than 10 seconds may frustrate callers
- Use
Playwith hold music for longer waits - Consider using
Redirectto check status during long waits
Pause vs. Silence in Say
You can also create pauses using SSML in the Say verb:
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Please wait <break time='3s'/> while we process your request."
}However, the Pause verb is clearer and easier to read in your VoxML structure.
Best Practices
- Use 1-2 second pauses for natural speech rhythm
- Use 3-5 second pauses to simulate processing
- Avoid pauses longer than 5 seconds without context
- Inform callers before long pauses
- Consider alternatives like
Playfor extended waits - Use pauses strategically to improve call flow comprehension
Combining with Other Verbs
Pause Before Recording
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Please leave your message after the beep."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 1
},
{
"verb": "Record",
"action_url": "https://example.com/save-message"
}Pause Between Menu Options
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Press 1 for account balance."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 1
},
{
"verb": "Say",
"text": "Press 2 for recent transactions."
},
{
"verb": "Pause",
"length": 1
},
{
"verb": "Gather",
"input": "dtmf",
"action_url": "https://example.com/menu"
}