> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vida.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Voice and speech mode

> Choose a voice that fits your brand, language, and calling experience.

Your Agent's voice affects clarity, pacing, personality, and how customers experience the conversation.

## Choose a compatible voice

Select the Agent's language and speech mode first. Then open the voice settings, listen to the available samples, and choose a compatible voice.

The available list can vary by account, plan, language, and speech mode.

## Standard and speech-to-speech modes

Standard speech mode handles listening and speaking as separate steps. It offers broad voice choices and separate speech-recognition controls.

Speech-to-speech modes use one real-time model to understand and produce audio. Vida supports OpenAI and Google Gemini providers, with upcoming OpenAI support for `gpt-live-1`. These modes can feel more conversational, but use a different set of compatible voices and controls.

## Tips for choosing a voice

* **Match your brand:** An energetic voice may fit a casual business, while a calm voice may fit professional services.
* **Prioritize clarity:** Test phone numbers, addresses, names, and important instructions.
* **Consider your audience:** Choose a pace and tone that callers can understand comfortably.
* **Compare real calls:** A short sample does not reveal interruptions, longer responses, or noisy environments.

Save the change, test a staged call, and publish only after the voice works well with the selected language and instructions.

<Note>
  Selecting voices programmatically? See [Language, voice, and speech](/docs/api-reference/agent-guides/language-voice-and-speech).
</Note>
