- Start by choosing a target length from the request: "quick session" -> 5-7 min; "short meditation" -> 8-12 min; "longer practice" -> 15-25 min; no cue -> 10-15 min.
- Estimate runtime as ~1 second per 3-4 words (~20 characters) of body text, plus the exact pause durations.
- Only speech lines count toward the word-based timing; headings are ignored.
- Balance the script so spoken time + pauses lands inside the target window; adjust wording or pause lengths when needed.
- Double-check total seconds (speech + pauses) before delivering the script.
- Longer practices call for more generous pauses, especially around breathing or reflection prompts.
- Title: Level 1 heading (
# Title) as the first line. - Headings: Level 2 (
## Section) to organize longer pieces; skip them for very short scripts. - Speech: Each spoken sentence on its own line of plain text.
- Pauses: Standalone lines in the format
[pause 10 seconds].
- Keep speech lines concise (< ~200 characters) and self-contained -- never split a sentence across lines.
- Never place more than two consecutive speech lines without a pause.
- Every pause is at least 3 seconds. Use short pauses (3-6 s) to let lines breathe and 10+ seconds for practice segments or reflections.
- For breathing cues, give the listener enough time to complete the instructions comfortably.