Voice Speed

Voice time

In our last post, Voice Agents Rising, we made the case that voice is the most natural user interface, and that voice agents are opening up exciting opportunities for engaging both potential and current customers. Today, we want to build on that by exploring another compelling advantage: speed. In a fast-paced world of time-based competition, the efficiency of voice interactions can transform conversational commerce. Let's dive into the research comparing the speed of traditional typing and reading versus speaking and listening, and see why voice is a game-changer for routine tasks like ordering products to complex interactions like designing solutions.

The Input Side: Typing vs. Speaking

When it comes to input—composing emails, texts, or filling out forms—typing has long been the default. But how does it stack up against simply speaking your thoughts?

Research shows that the average typing speed for adults is around 40 words per minute (WPM). For professionals or those with more practice, this can climb to 60-80 WPM, but even that's no match for speech.

In contrast, the average speaking rate is about 125-150 WPM. Or even faster if you're this guy. Studies from Stanford and others confirm that voice input is typically 3 times faster than typing, especially on mobile devices or for longer messages. For example, composing an email via dictation can save significant time compared to pecking away at a keyboard.

Filling out forms is another area where voice shines. Traditional typing for form-based inquiries or complaints can be tedious, often taking minutes per field. Voice recognition allows users to dictate responses fluidly, reducing completion time by up to 3x. Imagine a customer filing a support ticket: speaking the details is not only quicker but also more natural, leading to fewer errors and higher satisfaction.

The Output Side: Reading vs. Listening

Efficiency isn't just about input; it's also about how quickly we process information. Reading speeds average 200-300 WPM for adults, depending on the material. That's solid, but listening comprehension can handle similar or even higher rates when audio is sped up slightly.

Humans can comprehend spoken words at up to 275-300 WPM, though normal conversation hovers around 150 WPM. In practice, this means voice agents can deliver instructions, solutions, or product info at a pace that's comfortable yet efficient—often faster than scanning text, especially for multitasking users like those driving or on the go.

Why This Matters for Conversational Commerce

These speed advantages translate directly to business wins. For inquiries or ordering products, a voice agent can handle a spoken query in seconds, versus minutes of typing into a form or email. Filing complaints? Voice allows emotional nuance and quick resolution without the frustration of slow input. Seeking instructions or solutions? Listening to a clear, spoken response beats reading dense text, reducing cognitive load and errors.

Our testing aligns with the data: voice interactions cut task times dramatically, boosting engagement and conversion rates. As voice AI from companies like those I mentioned last time (Hume.ai, Vapi.ai, etc.) continues to improve, the gap will only widen.

Embracing the Speed of Voice

The evidence is clear—voice isn't just natural; it's faster. By adopting voice agents, businesses can streamline customer interactions, save time, and create more human-like experiences. If you're in conversational commerce, this is your cue to go voice-first. Stay tuned for more on how to implement these tools effectively.

Please do reach out and let's talk (literally)!