Feedback
People need feedback from the computer to know what is going on during an interaction. When a user issues a command, they want the system to acknowledge that they have been heard. They also want feedback when the system is busy so they know when to wait.
Supply Alternative Guesses
Although technology continues to improve, there are still limitations that result in errors. For example, a user may say one word, but the computer hears a different word. One way to help with these corrections is for the computer to provide the user with alternative guesses. For example, if the user says “Boston” and the computer is unsure of what was said, it could respond, “Did you say Austin or Boston?”
Acknowledge the User's Speech
After users speak, they expect the computer to respond with appropriate feedback. They want to be sure that the computer has heard what they have said. If the user has requested that an action be taken, the best type of response is to carry out the action itself. For example, if the user has spoken “2” to go to menu option two, then the best form of feedback is for the system to go on to menu option two.
Show When It Is the User's Turn to Talk
People need feedback to know whether it is their turn to speak or the computer's, and to know what is going on. If the interface is multi-modal, use visual feedback to indicate status or whose turn it is. If the interface has no visual component, use auditory cues to signal when it is the user's turn. Figure 10.3 shows this ...
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