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

# Start Stage

> The entry point for all voice agent conversations

The **Start** stage is the entry point for every conversation flow. It determines how the call begins and who speaks first.

## Overview

Every flow agent must have exactly one Start node. It's automatically created when you create a new agent and cannot be deleted.

<Info>
  The Start node is colored **green** to indicate it's the entry point of your flow.
</Info>

## Configuration

### Speaker First

Determines who initiates the conversation:

| Option     | Behavior                                      |
| ---------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Agent**  | The AI speaks first with the greeting message |
| **Caller** | The AI waits for the caller to speak first    |

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Agent Speaks First">
    Best for:

    * Inbound calls where you want to greet callers
    * Professional/business contexts
    * When you need to set expectations immediately

    ```
    "Thank you for calling Acme Corp. How can I help you today?"
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Caller Speaks First">
    Best for:

    * When callers expect to state their purpose immediately
    * IVR-style flows
    * Situations where the greeting isn't needed

    The agent will wait silently until the caller speaks.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Greeting Message

The initial message the agent speaks when **Agent** is set to speak first.

<Note>
  If **Caller** speaks first, the greeting message is ignored.
</Note>

**Tips for effective greetings:**

* Keep it concise (under 20 words)
* State who you are
* Invite the caller to state their needs
* Match your brand's tone

**Examples:**

```
// Professional
"Good morning, thank you for calling Acme Support. How may I assist you?"

// Friendly
"Hi there! Thanks for calling. What can I help you with today?"

// Direct
"Acme Sales, how can I help?"
```

## Transitions

The Start node supports these transition types:

| Type            | Trigger              | Use Case                 |
| --------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------ |
| **Any Message** | Caller says anything | When caller speaks first |
| **Immediate**   | After greeting plays | When agent speaks first  |

### Connecting to Next Stage

1. Click the handle at the bottom of the Start node
2. Drag to the target handle of your next stage (usually a Conversation node)
3. The transition type is automatically set based on your Speaker First setting

## Example Configurations

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Customer Support Line">
    ```yaml theme={null}
    Speaker First: Agent
    Greeting: "Thank you for calling Acme Support.
               My name is Alex. How can I help you today?"
    ```

    Connects to → Conversation node for handling inquiries
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Appointment Booking">
    ```yaml theme={null}
    Speaker First: Agent
    Greeting: "Hi! You've reached Dr. Smith's office.
               Are you calling to schedule an appointment?"
    ```

    Connects to → Data Extraction node for collecting patient info
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="IVR Menu">
    ```yaml theme={null}
    Speaker First: Agent
    Greeting: "Welcome to Acme Corp.
               For sales, say 'sales'.
               For support, say 'support'.
               For billing, say 'billing'."
    ```

    Connects to → If/Else node for routing based on response
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Match Your Brand Voice" icon="building">
    Your greeting sets the tone. A law firm might use formal language while a casual brand can be more relaxed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep It Short" icon="clock">
    Long greetings frustrate callers. Aim for under 5 seconds of speech.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Expectations" icon="lightbulb">
    Let callers know they're speaking with an AI if required by your use case or regulations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test Both Paths" icon="vial">
    Test with both agent-first and caller-first scenarios to ensure smooth handoffs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Conversation Stage" icon="comments" href="/agent-builder/stages/conversation">
    The typical next stage after Start
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transitions" icon="arrow-right" href="/agent-builder/transitions">
    Learn about transition types
  </Card>
</CardGroup>