### Answer To slow down pacing for spelled-out content without changing the global voice speed, prompt the LLM to generate the spelled-out text with spaced dashes between characters, since spacing around the dash is what controls pacing [(1) ]() :

The number is 2 - 1 - 3 - 4

For longer pauses within that same spelled-out text (e.g., between letters or number groups you want emphasized more) , use multiple dashes with spaces between them :

The number is 2 - - - - 1 - - - - 3
// Notice the double spaces between the dashes

This keeps your global voice speed at 1.10 for normal conversation, while the dash-based pacing markup only affects the specific spelled-out segments (names, emails, confirmations) where the LLM outputs them this way . Your TTS provider choice can also affect spelling accuracy and pacing consistency independent of the global speed setting. If spelling accuracy or pacing consistency is a persistent issue, MiniMax is noted as having the strongest spelling accuracy and most consistent tone/pacing, while Cartesia offers stronger spelling than ElevenLabs with generally natural sound [(2) ]() .

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Add pause or read slowly](https://docs.retellai.com/build/add-pause) [[2] TTS provider comparison](https://docs.retellai.com/build/tts-provider-comparison) ​

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