Generic issues in dialogue design for speech input/output

In the design and evaluation of speech input/output dialogues for control of PBX features, various issues were encountered which could not be resolved by reference to the available literature. This paper outlines solutions to some generic issues in speech dialogue design in the form of Generic Dialogue Modules. These are descriptions of procedures which may be implemented in a wide range of speech input/output applications. Where criteria are application-dependent, the factors affecting optimal adjustment are listed. Issues discussed are template training methods, strategies for input confirmation and correction, encouraging template maintenance, provision of Help, and development of alternative language variants of speech input/output dialogues.