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

# Response Timing

> Control how quickly your bot responds to messages

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

## 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

## Configuration

Configure response timing in your bot's behavior settings:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Behaviors">
    Go to your bot settings and click the **Behaviors** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Minimum Delay">
    Configure the minimum time before responding (default: 0ms).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Maximum Delay">
    Configure the maximum additional random delay (default: 0ms).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Settings">
    Click **Save** to apply changes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Timing Strategies

### 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

### 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

### 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

## Combining with Typing Indicators

Response timing works best with [typing indicators](/bots/behaviors/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.

<Callout type="tip">
  When using typing indicators, the actual AI processing time often provides enough natural delay. Only add artificial delays if responses are consistently instant.
</Callout>

## Platform Considerations

### Telegram

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

### Slack

* Workspace users expect quick responses during work hours
* Thread replies can have natural delays
* "Thinking..." messages complement timing well

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Start with Zero Delay" icon="bolt">
    Only add delays if responses feel unnaturally fast
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use with Typing Indicators" icon="message-dots">
    Combine timing with visual feedback
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test with Real Users" icon="users">
    Get feedback on conversation feel
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consider Context" icon="brain">
    Support bots need speed; social bots need personality
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Typing Indicators" icon="message-dots" href="/bots/behaviors/typing-indicators">
    Add visual feedback during response generation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Should Respond" icon="robot" href="/bots/behaviors/should-respond">
    Control when your bot responds to messages
  </Card>
</CardGroup>