In voice AI interviews, every second shapes authenticity. Configuring a Timer in TalkScore questions gives each Candidate a defined window to answer, which removes the space for searching or reading from prepared scripts and pushes quick, original thinking. The Timer option is available on TalkScore’s audio question types and can be set per Question when you build your flow, as shown in this TalkScore guide.
How Timed responses reduces cheating
Cuts reading chances. With a short window, there is no time to read long prepared answers or browse notes while recording.
Forces real‑time thinking. Candidates must organize ideas and speak clearly under a mild time constraint, similar to a live conversation.
Standardizes conditions. Everyone answers under the same limit, giving you cleaner, apples‑to‑apples comparisons.
Limits outside help. When the clock is ticking, there is little room to ask someone nearby or consult another device.
Acts at the source. Because TalkScore evaluates the audio the Candidate records, the control sits where cheating usually starts: during answer creation.
Traditional async formats often give Candidates generous time to craft responses. That makes it easier to draft, polish, and read. Timed Assessment Responses flip this dynamic: Candidates speak to the microphone, in the moment, with a visible clock. The result is a more natural sample of fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension where applicable, without the cushioning of over‑preparation.
Tips for teams
Keep the Timer short enough to invite spontaneous speech, long enough to demonstrate skill.
Tell Candidates up front that answers are timed so they can focus on clarity and structure.
Use consistent limits across similar Questions to keep scoring fair and comparable.
