Holding the Conversation: How Predictable’s Floor Hold and the Via Device Support Smoother AAC Communication 

Tom Medley, AAC Consultant, shares one of many great features in Predictable.

For AAC users, composing a message takes time and that’s perfectly okay. But in the middle of a busy conversation, it can sometimes feel as though the “floor” might slip away while someone is still typing. That’s exactly why Predictable’s Floor Hold feature exists: to keep communication flowing and signal to others that a message is still in progress. 

A Simple Button That Makes a Big Difference 

Within the Predictable app, Floor Hold can be accessed through the Features button – the lightning bolt icon at the bottom of the screen. Tapping it instantly speaks a friendly, preset message such as, “Please wait a minute,” letting people know the AAC user is still working on their response. 

It’s a small gesture, but it makes a big impact, especially when someone is writing longer, more detailed messages. 

Powerful Customisation in Settings 

Heading into Settings → Accessibility → Floor Hold, users can take things even further by turning on Automatic Floor Hold. 

Here, you can: 

Choose how many seconds Predictable should wait before speaking a floor hold message 

Select from existing default messages 

Create your own personalised message 

For example, adding a custom phrase like “Please wait” ensures the message feels natural to the user. Once saved, it appears in the list, ready to use. 

With automatic mode on, Predictable keeps track as the user types. After the chosen delay, perhaps 5, 10, or 15 seconds, the Floor Hold message plays automatically, gently reminding communication partners: 
“I’m still typing. Please bear with me.” 

It’s reassuring, polite, and helps protect the AAC user’s turn in the conversation. 

How the Via Device Enhances Floor Hold 

Using Predictable on a Via device boosts this feature even further. Via devices are designed specifically for AAC, meaning the Floor Hold feature benefits from: 

Clear, powerful speakers so messages are heard even in noisy environments 

Fast processing, ensuring the timing of automatic Floor Hold is accurate and reliable 

Durable hardware, supporting everyday use at home, school, work, or out in the community 

A responsive touchscreen, making it easy to add messages, adjust settings, or trigger Floor Hold manually 

Together, Predictable and Via form a dependable communication system that supports smooth interactions, no matter the pace of the conversation. 

Supporting Confidence in Every Interaction 

Floor Hold empowers AAC users to take part in conversations without feeling rushed or interrupted. With the added strength and reliability of a Via device, it becomes an even more effective tool for managing communication in real time. 

Learn more about the Via Predictable bundle and how it can support meaningful communication across all environments. You can book in a free virtual consultation so you can discuss Predictable.