Short answer: insert SSML break tags between sentences.
What to do
In your text, add a break tag where you want the gap: <break time="x.xs" />. Set time to the pause length you want (any value up to 3s). Example: "Sentence one." <break time="0.5s" /> "Sentence two." This is supported in Speech Synthesis and via the API. (elevenlabs.io)
If you’re using the ElevenLabs Studio editor, use Insert break to add a pause; you can set its length (default 1s, max 3s). (elevenlabs.io)
Important notes
Excessive break tags in a single passage can cause instability (speed-ups or artifacts). Use them sparingly (the Studio guide suggests limiting to roughly 2–3 per paragraph). (elevenlabs.io)
Pauses are “understood” by the model (not just raw silence). Some voices may insert natural fillers (e.g., “uh”, “ah”) during pauses. (help.elevenlabs.io)
Breaks are billed as text (counted as 10 characters each when passed to the API). (elevenlabs.io)
Less consistent alternatives (use only if you can’t use <break>)
Dashes (- or —) or ellipses (…) can induce short or hesitant pauses, but results vary by voice and prompt. (elevenlabs.io)
API compatibility
You can include <break time="…"> directly in the text you send to the TTS API; no special parameter is required. Max pause length is 3 seconds. (help.elevenlabs.io)
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