Article overview
Acronyms can be tricky for AI voices — some should sound like words, others like individual letters. Use this guide to control exactly how acronyms are pronounced in your script.
Acronyms vary in how they're spoken — some are read as complete words (like NASA), while others are spelled out letter by letter (like NBA). When the voice doesn't get it right, a few simple techniques can help.
Before you get started
- You'll need a WellSaid Studio account to get started.
- Have a project open with at least one section that already has script text in it.
Pronouncing an acronym as a word
If you want an acronym pronounced like a word, spell it phonetically or use the Respellings chart to specify each syllable.
💡 Use the Respelling tool to give precise instructions to the voice, specifying how each syllable should be pronounced and which syllables to emphasize. For instance, the acronym LASER can be entered as ::LAY-zer::.
Examples:
-
If you can't come tonight, let me know ASAP.
ASAP →eigh-sap -
NASA was established in 1958.
NASA →::NA-suh::
Pronouncing an acronym as individual letters
If you want an acronym spelled out letter by letter, add spaces or dashes between the letters. For more precise control, use a Respelling. When using a Respelling, stressing the first and last syllables only tends to produce better results — for example, AY-ehs-ay-PEE.
Examples:
-
Add your notes to the M O M document.
MOM →M.O.M.orM-O-M -
BMW is a German car brand.
BMW →::BEE-EM-DUH-buhl-yoo:: -
I need the memo ASAP.
ASAP →::AY:: ::EHS:: ::AY:: ::PEE::
Respellings for acronyms
Use this reference table when spelling out acronyms or initialisms where each letter is pronounced individually — such as ASPCA, LCD, BBC, or FBI.
A → ::AY::
|
N → ::EHN::
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B → ::BEE::
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O → ::OH::
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C → ::SEE::
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P → ::PEE::
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D → ::DEE::
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Q → ::KYOO::
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E → ::EE::
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R → ::AR::
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F → ::EHF::
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S → ::EHS::
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G → ::JEE::
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T → ::TEE::
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H → ::AYCH::
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U → ::YOO::
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I → ::Y::
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V → ::VEE::
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J → ::JAY::
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W → ::DUH-buhl-yoo::
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K → ::KAY::
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X → ::EHKS::
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L → ::EHL::
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Y → ::WY::
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M → ::EHM::
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Z → ::ZEE:: or ::ZEHD::
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FAQs
Q: When should I use spaces vs. a Respelling for letter-by-letter acronyms?
A: Spaces or dashes between letters work well for simple cases. Use a Respelling when you need more precise control — for example, to stress specific letters or handle uncommon letter combinations.
Q: Does the inline Respelling syntax work in all versions of Studio?
A: Inline syntax (wrapping a Respelling in double colons ::) is only supported in Legacy Studio - Standard. In WellSaid Studio, use the Replacements panel in the right sidebar instead.
Q: What if the voice still mispronounces an acronym after I add a Respelling?
A: Try stressing only the first and last syllables of the Respelling. You can also refer to the Respellings Reference Charts to check that each sound is represented correctly.
Q: Can I save an acronym Respelling so I don't have to re-enter it every time?
A: Yes. Save the Respelling to your Pronunciation Library and it will apply automatically across projects.