smart_turn_detection
, powered by Sparrow, for dynamic and responsive conversation flow with intelligent turn-taking.
Configuring the STT Layer
Define the STT layer under thelayers.stt
object. Below are the parameters available:
1. participant_pause_sensitivity
Controls how long the participant can pause before the replica responds. This setting helps you fine-tune the pacing of the conversation.
-
Options:
high
: The replica replies quickly after short pauses. Good for fast and casual conversations.medium
(default): Balanced timing. Allows natural pauses without feeling rushed or delayed.low
: The replica waits a bit longer before replying. Useful for slower or more thoughtful discussions.verylow
: The replica allows even longer pauses before responding.superlow
: The replica has the longest response delay, making it suitable for conversations where participants often pause.
2. participant_interrupt_sensitivity
Controls how easily the participant can interrupt the replica while it is talking. This setting helps adjust how the replica handles overlap in conversation.
-
Options:
high
: The replica stops speaking immediately when the participant starts talking. Ideal for quick and back-and-forth exchanges.medium
(default): Balanced behavior. Allows short interruptions without breaking the flow.low
: The participant needs to speak more clearly or for a bit longer to interrupt.verylow
: The replica usually keeps talking unless the interruption is strong.superlow
: The replica rarely stops mid-sentence. It will usually finish speaking before responding.
3. hotwords
Use this to prioritize certain names or terms that are difficult to transcribe.
This field is only available for
tavus-advanced
engine.Use hotwords for proper nouns, brand names, or domain-specific language that standard STT engines might struggle with.
4. Turn-taking model
Enables dynamic turn-taking using the Sparrow model, which dynamically adjusts the timeout based on what the users say. It sets a longer timeout when the user is likely not done speaking, and a shorter timeout when the user is likely done speaking.
How Turn-taking Works

smart_turn_detection
is only supported by thetavus-advanced
engine.- Disabling
smart_turn_detection
turns off Sparrow and uses a fixed response delay based onparticipant_pause_sensitivity
.
Example Configuration
Below is an example persona with a fully configured STT layer:Refer to the Create Persona API for a complete list of supported fields.