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Response timing controls the delay between receiving a user message and sending the bot’s reply. Proper timing creates a more natural conversational experience.

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Overview

Response timing affects user perception:
  • Too fast: Feels robotic, unnatural
  • Too slow: Users get impatient, think bot is broken
  • Just right: Natural conversation flow

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Configuration

Configure response timing in your bot’s behavior settings:
1

Navigate to Behaviors

Go to your bot settings and click the Behaviors tab.
2

Set Minimum Delay

Configure the minimum time before responding (default: 0ms).
3

Set Maximum Delay

Configure the maximum additional random delay (default: 0ms).
4

Save Settings

Click Save to apply changes.

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Timing Strategies

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Instant Response

No artificial delay - respond as soon as the AI generates a reply. 
Delay: 0ms
Best for: Support bots, urgent queries, API integrations
Pros:
  • Fastest possible response
  • Good for time-sensitive interactions
Cons:
  • Can feel robotic
  • May overwhelm users with rapid-fire responses

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Natural Delay

Add a small delay to simulate human typing speed. 
Minimum: 500ms
Maximum: 1500ms
Best for: Conversational bots, social interactions
Pros:
  • Feels more human
  • Gives users time to read
  • Creates natural conversation rhythm
Cons:
  • Slightly slower interactions
  • May frustrate users expecting instant answers

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Variable Delay

Randomize delay based on response length. 
Base: 200ms
Per character: 20ms
Best for: Chat-style interactions
Pros:
  • Longer responses have longer “thinking” time
  • Most natural feel
  • Adapts to response complexity

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Combining with Typing Indicators

Response timing works best with typing indicators:
  1. User sends message
  2. Bot immediately shows typing indicator
  3. AI generates response
  4. Bot waits for configured delay (if response was fast)
  5. Bot sends reply
This creates the perception of the bot “thinking” and “typing” the response.
When using typing indicators, the actual AI processing time often provides enough natural delay. Only add artificial delays if responses are consistently instant.

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Platform Considerations

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Telegram

  • Native typing indicators pair well with timing
  • Users expect near-instant responses in private chats
  • Group chats can tolerate slightly longer delays

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Slack

  • Workspace users expect quick responses during work hours
  • Thread replies can have natural delays
  • “Thinking…” messages complement timing well

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Best Practices

Start with Zero Delay

Only add delays if responses feel unnaturally fast

Use with Typing Indicators

Combine timing with visual feedback

Test with Real Users

Get feedback on conversation feel

Consider Context

Support bots need speed; social bots need personality

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Next Steps

Typing Indicators

Add visual feedback during response generation

Should Respond

Control when your bot responds to messages