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

# Handling Interruptions & Speech Sensitivity

> Configure how your AI assistant handles interruptions, voice activity detection, and speech patterns

Phone conversations can be messy—callers may interrupt the AI or have background noise. Kalimna.ai provides **voice activity detection** and **speech settings** to handle these situations.

## 1. Voice Activity Detection (VAD)

* **What It Is**: A setting that helps the AI wait for the user to finish talking before responding.
* **Configuration**: In the assistant's advanced settings, you can enable or disable VAD.
  * *High Sensitivity*: AI might interrupt less, but could lead to awkward pauses.
  * *Low Sensitivity*: AI might talk over the user if they pause mid-sentence.

## 2. Speech Speed & Filler Usage

* **Speech Speed**: Some voices allow you to slow down or speed up how quickly the AI talks.
* **Filler Usage**: Decide if the AI uses "umm," "uhh," or short "mhm" acknowledgments to sound more natural.

## 3. Interruptions

* If a user starts speaking while the AI is talking, the AI can attempt to stop and listen. However, perfect interruption handling can't be guaranteed due to phone audio overlap.
* Encourage shorter AI responses in your prompt to reduce collision with the caller's speech.

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**Tip:** Conduct test calls to find the right balance of sensitivity and speed. Overly fast responses or overly long monologues can frustrate callers.