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Use the Active Voice

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[Microsoft Agent is deprecated as of Windows 7, and may be unavailable in subsequent versions of Windows.]

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:

Directive Evaluation
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 this... Use this
"Is three the next digit?" "Is the next digit three?"
"Click OK to begin." "To begin, click OK."
"Say 'Done' to complete your order." "To complete your order, say 'Done.'"