The big tech companies are investing millions (billions?) to develop the perfect human AI voice. The goal: to make AI indistinguishable from a real person. But is this perfectionism really the best thing for the user? We believe that a "quasi-human" voice - one that sounds like a human but remains easily recognizable as AI - offers some significant advantages. Here are the reasons why a slightly artificial voice may even be ideal:

1. transparency: a clear indication that it is an AI

A voice that sounds like a human but remains minimally artificial creates transparency. Callers know that they are talking to an AI, which builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. Many people feel deceived if they only find out later that they have spoken to a machine and not a real person. A clearly recognizable AI voice makes it clear from the outset that it is a digital assistant - without making the conversation impersonal.

2. more relaxed conversations: efficiency instead of social conventions

Social conventions and courtesies often play a major role in conversations with real people. Callers are used to expressing themselves politely, making small talk or leaving pauses. With an AI, on the other hand, many callers feel more relaxed and direct. They know that they can dispense with unnecessary formalities and get straight to the point. This makes the conversation more efficient because the AI is programmed to do just that - it doesn't need any empty phrases and doesn't lose focus.

3. acceptance through performance: when the AI solves problems, the machine voice does not interfere

A major problem with many classic "robo voices" in the past was that they were often unable to solve the caller's problem. This has caused frustration among many users and led to a dislike of automated voices. However, our experience shows that if the AI is actually helpful and solves the caller's problem, the voice only plays a subordinate role. As long as the AI solves the problem, callers are hardly bothered by the fact that they are talking to a machine - on the contrary, many find it efficient and helpful.

4. understanding of content limits: An advantage for user expectations

Even an AI reaches its limits in terms of content from time to time. However, if the caller knows that they are talking to a machine, they usually show more understanding if the AI is unable to answer a question or responds in a certain way. A "quasi-human" voice supports this expectation by clearly signaling that it is a digital assistant. Callers are therefore more willing to accept the limitations of the technology and do not take minor comprehension problems personally.

Conclusion: A perfect human voice is not ideal at all

An "almost human" voice offers many advantages: it creates transparency, enables more relaxed and direct conversations, meets with a high level of acceptance if the problem is solved well and supports realistic expectations. Companies should therefore consider whether a perfectly human voice is really necessary - or whether a "quasi-human" voice might even create a better user experience.