VoiceXML 2.x Element Reference

The following table lists the VoiceXML 2.0 and VoiceXML 2.1 elements supported by the Tellme VoiceXML interpreter. Using these elements you can develop voice applications that are compliant with the VoiceXML 2.0 and VoiceXML 2.1 specifications and run them on the Tellme Voice Application Network.

VoiceXML element list

Click each element link for additional information.

Element	Defintion
assign	Assigns a value to a variable.
audio	Plays an audio file or converts text to speech within a prompt.
block	Specifies a block of directives that are executed in document source order.
break	Introduces a specified amount of silence into the audio played back to the user.
catch	Handles events thrown by a VoiceXML application or the interpreter.
choice	Defines a menu option.
clear	Resets the specified form items.
data	Provides programmatic access to data in XML format from an HTTP server without transitioning to a new VoiceXML document. See VoiceXML 2.1
disconnect	Terminates the phone call.
else	Provides the final alternative in an if construct.
elseif	Provides an alternative conditional statement in an if construct.
emphasis	Indicates the prominence or stress with which the enclosed text should be played back by the TTS engine. Currently the emphasis element has no effect on the synthesized speech output.
enumerate	Creates a template for choices in a menu.
error	Handles errors thrown by the platform or throw element.
exit	Terminates the running application.
field	Formulates an interactive dialog between the user and the system.
filled	Specifies an action to perform when the VoiceXML interpreter assigns a value to the named variable of a field, transfer, record, or subdialog element.
foreach	Iterates through an ECMAScript array of items. See VoiceXML 2.1
form	Contains a series of field items to be filled through interaction with the user.
goto	Jumps to the specified URI.
grammar	Specifies a permissible vocabulary for user interaction.
help	Handles a help event.
if	Performs conditional logic.
initial	Prompts the user for form-wide information.
link	Specifies one or more grammars and a destination to go to or an event to throw when one is matched.
log element	Writes a message to the debug log. When you use Tellme Studio to execute your VoiceXML applications, you can use the Debug Log Viewer to view these messages.
mark	Sets a bookmark allowing you to determine when the user barged in on a prompt. See VoiceXML 2.1
menu	Presents a list of choices to the user and transitions to the chosen information.
meta	Specifies general information about the VoiceXML document.
noinput	Executes when the user does not speak within the active field.
nomatch	Handles user input that is not recognized as part of the active grammar(s).
object	Exposes platform-specific functionality for use by a VoiceXML application.
option	Specifies an option to a user within a field.
p element	Provides a container element for zero or more sentences.
paragraph	Provides a container element for zero or more sentences.
param	Specifies a value to pass to a subdialog or object element.
phoneme	Specifies a phonetic pronunciation for the contained text.
prompt	Queues recorded audio and synthesized text to speech in an interactive dialog.
property	Specifies speech parameters for an entire application, document, or form. Although the default value for each property is provided below, these values are subject to change. If your voice application relies on a specific value, set the property explicitly in your application root document.
prosody	Controls the speaking rate and the volume of the speech output.
record	Records user input.
reprompt	Indicates that the Platform should select and queue the appropriate prompt element before entering a listen state in an interactive dialog.
return	Returns control and data or an event to the dialog that called the subdialog.
s element	Identifies the enclosed text as a complete sentence. Currently the s element has no effect on the synthesized speech output.
say-as	Aids the TTS engine in pronunciation by resolving ambiguities regarding the meaning of the contained text.
script	Includes a block of ECMAscript code.
sentence	Identifies the enclosed text as a complete sentence.
sub	Indicates a substitution for pronunciation of the contained text. This allows a document to contain both a spoken and written form.
subdialog	Jumps to and executes an encapsulated dialog.
submit	Obtains a new document via an HTTP GET or POST request.
throw	Generates a system or user-defined event to catch with an event handler.
transfer	Transfers the caller to the specified telephone number.
value	Evaluates and returns an ECMAScript expression.
var	Declares a variable.
voice	Controls the vocal characteristics for the contained text when played back by the TTS engine.
vxml	Represents the root document element of a VoiceXML document.