How do I introduce pauses in text to speech

[tame crescent]

AI-generated Answer for a.i.rowe

• Most models: Insert SSML break tags directly in your input text, e.g., Hello <break time="1.5s" /> world. Breaks must be specified in seconds and can be up to 3 seconds. Works in Speech Synthesis and via the API. Avoid excessive use as it can speed up speech or introduce artifacts. (help.elevenlabs.io)
• Eleven v3 model: SSML break tags are not supported. Use expressive tags like [pause], [short pause], or [long pause] in the text instead; these are exclusive to Eleven v3. You can also use punctuation (e.g., ellipses) to influence pacing. (help.elevenlabs.io)
• API usage: Pass the tags inline with the text you send to the API; no special parameter is required. SSML breaks are counted for billing (10 characters per break). (elevenlabs.io)
• Alternatives and behavior notes: Dashes (- or —) or ellipses (…) can create shorter or hesitant pauses but are less consistent. Some voices may add natural fillers (e.g., “uh”, “ah”) during pauses depending on training. (help.elevenlabs.io)

References

• How can I add pauses? (help.elevenlabs.io)
• Do pauses and SSML phoneme tags work with the API? (help.elevenlabs.io)
• Best practices – Controls (Pauses, v3 guidance) (elevenlabs.io)
• Blog – Pause support via API and Speech Synthesis editor (billing detail) (elevenlabs.io)

Sources:
How can I add pauses? – ElevenLabs
Do pauses and SSML phoneme tags work with the API? – ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs—Pause support via API and speech synthesis editor
How can I add pauses? – ElevenLabs
How can I add pauses? – ElevenLabs
Do pauses and SSML phoneme tags work with the API? – ElevenLabs
Best practices | ElevenLabs Documentation
ElevenLabs—Pause support via API and speech synthesis editor

[stark bolt]

How do I add a pause in the text-to-speech playground?