Gemini TTS

Generate an MP3 from inline text or a UTF-8 text/Markdown file with the bundled script.

Default delivery

For any unqualified TTS request, use the bundled natural-tech-conference default. The CLI applies it automatically when --template is omitted:

• voice: Algenib (gravelly, lower pitch)
• profile: experienced software engineer speaking normally at a small San Francisco technical conference
• scene: a mid-sized breakout room, explaining the topic plainly to engineering peers
• delivery: neutral conversational American English, low emotional range, ordinary sentence stress, modest pauses, and no narrator, marketer, keynote, radio-host, or audiobook performance
• speed: 1.3225 (15% faster than 1.15)

Keep this default unless the user explicitly requests another voice, delivery style, accent, template, or speed.

Setup

Resolve paths relative to this SKILL.md; do not assume a particular install directory.

python3 -m pip install -r <skill-directory>/requirements.txt
export GEMINI_API_KEY='...'

GOOGLE_API_KEY and OPENCODE_GOOGLE_API_KEY are accepted as fallbacks. Set GEMINI_TTS_MODEL to override the default model.

Before generation

Confirm or infer:

• source text or file
• output path
• any explicit override to the default delivery
• whether playback is wanted

For long input, report the chunk count before making paid API calls. Ask for confirmation when the request is unexpectedly large or the user has not clearly approved generation.

Discover voices and templates

python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py --list-voices
python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py --list-templates
python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py --show-template natural-tech-conference

Bundled templates include the default natural-tech-conference plus mystery-narrator, newscaster, whisper, empathetic, deadpan, promo-hype, and podcast-newsletter.

Generate audio

Using the default delivery:

python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py \
  --text 'Explain this clearly and naturally.' \
  --output ./narration.mp3

From a file with an explicit alternate template:

python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py \
  --file ./article.md \
  --template podcast-newsletter \
  --output ./article.mp3 \
  --play

Customize delivery when needed:

python3 <skill-directory>/scripts/generate_tts.py \
  --file ./script.txt \
  --voice Kore \
  --profile 'Calm technical narrator' \
  --scene 'A quiet recording booth' \
  --notes 'Clear diction, measured pace, neutral accent' \
  --speed 1.1 \
  --output ./script.mp3

Explicit CLI flags override an explicit template. An explicit template overrides the catalog default. If the catalog has no default, the hard fallback remains Orus at speed 1.0.

Reliability controls

• --max-workers N: concurrent chunk requests; default 1
• --requests-per-minute N: request throttle; default 8; 0 disables it
• --allow-partial: write an MP3 despite failed chunks; avoid unless the user accepts missing audio

Environment equivalents are GEMINI_TTS_MAX_WORKERS and GEMINI_TTS_RPM.

Verification

After generation:

1. Confirm the command exited successfully.
2. Confirm the MP3 exists and is non-empty.
3. Report the exact output path.
4. If playback was requested, report when no supported player is installed.

Never print API keys or include them in command examples, logs, or output files.