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# speechSynthesizer(_:didStart:)

Tells the delegate when the synthesizer begins speaking an utterance.

```
optional func speechSynthesizer(_ synthesizer: AVSpeechSynthesizer, didStart utterance: AVSpeechUtterance)
```

## Parameters

`synthesizer`

The speech synthesizer that starts speaking the utterance.

`utterance`

The utterance that the speech synthesizer starts speaking.

## Discussion

If the utterance’s [`preUtteranceDelay`](/documentation/AVFAudio/AVSpeechUtterance/preUtteranceDelay) property is greater than zero, the system calls this method after the delay completes and speech begins.

---

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