Use the Active Voice
When using speech output to provide directive information or to elicit a user response, use the active voice and clearly specify the user's expected action. The following example illustrates the differences:
| Let me repeat your number. |
No user action |
| The number will be repeated. |
Passive voice, no user action |
| Listen while the number is repeated. |
Passive voice |
| Listen to the repetition. |
Best choice |
In addition, construct your output to unfold the key information at the end of the phrase as shown in the following examples:
| Instead of: |
"Is three the next digit?" |
Use: "Is the next digit three?" |
| Instead of: |
"Click OK to begin." |
Use: "To begin, click OK." |
| Instead of: |
"Say 'Done' to complete your order." |
Use: "To complete your order, say 'Done.'" |