### Answer The echo issue you're experiencing—where the bot's first greeting gets picked up as user input—is a common audio feedback problem in web-based voice applications [(1) ]() . This typically happens when the bot's audio output is being captured by the microphone input, creating a loop where the system's own speech is detected as user speech . Common causes and solutions: Background Noise and Acoustic Issues The system may be picking up the bot's audio output through your speakers/headphones as background noise . Retell AI uses noise reduction algorithms to filter out background noise and enhance speech clarity . Turn-Taking Model Configuration Retell AI's turn-taking model combines Voice Activity Detection (VAD) with contextual understanding to determine when users are speaking [(2) ]() [(3) ]() . The system uses advanced contextual understanding to recognize subtle cues like tone shifts and sentence patterns [(2) ]() . A better turn-taking model can accurately detect the end of a user's turn, preventing the AI from interrupting or prematurely responding [(1) ]() . This helps ensure the bot's greeting isn't misinterpreted as user input . Recommended troubleshooting steps: 1. Check your audio setup - Ensure proper microphone configuration and that speaker output isn't feeding back into the microphone 2. Review VAD settings - The Voice Activity Detection system should distinguish between the bot's speech and actual

user input [(3) ]() 3. Verify turn-taking configuration - Retell AI's turn-taking model should wait for genuine user speech rather than detecting echo as input [(2) ]() For more detailed technical support with your custom backend implementation, I recommend checking the [Documentation]() or reaching out to a [certified Retell partner]() .

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Troubleshooting AI Voice Agent Issues | Retell AI](https://www.retellai.com/blog/troubleshooting-common-issues-in-voice-agent-development) [[2] Retell AI's Turn-Taking Model for Seamless Calls | Retell AI](https://www.retellai.com/blog/how-retell-ais-turn-taking-model-ensures-seamless-calls) [[3] VAD vs. Turn-Taking Endpoints in Conversational AI | Retell AI](https://www.retellai.com/blog/vad-vs-turn-taking-end-point-in-conversational-ai) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.