> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sigmamind.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Configure Who starts the conversation

This setting controls who starts the conversation when the call connects.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/sigmamindai/oLk0wiAskRJTxAXP/images/agents/whospeakfirst.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=oLk0wiAskRJTxAXP&q=85&s=3bc6d57177bde72ffa595c03f9e82468" alt="Whospeakfirst" width="1919" height="913" data-path="images/agents/whospeakfirst.png" />
</Frame>

### Who Speaks First - Decision Table

| Scenario                       | Setting to Choose         | Why                     | What Happens                              |
| :----------------------------- | :------------------------ | :---------------------- | :---------------------------------------- |
| Outbound calls (you call user) | **AI starts first**       | AI initiates the call   | AI speaks immediately after call connects |
| Automated workflows            | **AI starts first**       | No user input expected  | AI drives the conversation                |
| Inbound calls (user calls you) | **Customer starts first** | Natural user behavior   | AI waits, then responds                   |
| Support helpline               | **Customer starts first** | Matches real-world flow | Avoids interrupting user                  |

<Info>
  See where to 👉 [Set First Message](/documentation/agents/single-prompt-agent/configure-welcome-message) in Single Prompt Agent. The **first message spoken by AI.**
</Info>

#### Recommendation (Important)

👉 Inbound calls → **Customer starts first**\
👉 Outbound calls → **AI starts first**

***

### Why This Matters

Wrong configuration can lead to:

* AI talking over the user
* Awkward silence at call start
* Confusing conversation flow

***

## What Actually Happens

* **AI starts first** → Agent speaks immediately after connection
* **Customer starts first** → Call stays silent until the user speaks