Gemini-2.0-flash-live-001 model call starts silent, no greeting or system instruction honored on first connection

Gemini API Documentation
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Hello everyone,

I’m using the Gemini-2.0-flash-live-001 model for voice calls. When a call connects, the system instruction (like a greeting message) is not played initially—the call goes silent. Only after the user starts speaking does Gemini respond.

This issue does not occur with OpenAI’s models. In Ultravox, there is a parameter called "firstSpeaker": "FIRST_SPEAKER_AGENT" which controls this behavior and ensures the agent speaks first.

Is there a similar parameter or configuration for Gemini to ensure it honors the system instruction and plays the greeting message at the start of the call? Any guidance on how to fix this would be much appreciated.

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Hi there! It sounds like you’re experiencing an issue with the initial greeting message in your Gemini-2.0-flash-live-001 model for voice calls. While I couldn’t find a specific parameter exactly like “firstSpeaker” in Ultravox, there are a few steps you can take to address this issue:

  1. Check the Model Configuration: Ensure that your model’s configuration settings include any parameters related to initial greetings or system instructions. Sometimes, these settings might be hidden under different names or sections.
  2. API Documentation: Review the Gemini API documentation thoroughly. Look for any parameters or settings related to voice call behavior, initial greetings, or system instructions. This might provide insights into how to configure the model to speak first

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3. Custom Scripts: If the API does not provide a direct parameter, consider writing a custom script that triggers the greeting message as soon as the call connects. This script can be integrated into your existing setup to ensure the agent speaks first.
4. Support Forums: Engage with support forums or communities related to Gemini models. Other users might have faced similar issues and could offer solutions or workarounds.
5. Contact Support: If you’re unable to find a solution, reaching out to Gemini’s technical support team might be the best option. They can provide specific guidance and help resolve the issue.