Pace-Reduction Mode
A regulating interaction mode characterised by reduced pace, sentence rhythm, and complexity in the AI's turns; a pattern in which the user's reported perceived tempo of the exchange is observed to be lower. Distinguished from distraction by being a slowing of the exchange rather than a topic shift.
Operational Definition
STATE. The rated quantity is the degree of deliberate slowing within a passage, indexed by measurable output features: reduced words-per-turn, shorter sentences, and lower lexical complexity relative to the session baseline. A larger reduction across these features indicates more of the mode. Rated/measured per passage.
Measurement Schema
Proposed measurement protocol (not yet empirically validated): Text-metric comparison of 'calming' passages against the session baseline: mean sentence length, words per turn, and a readability index (e.g. Flesch reading-ease); paired with a user momentary-tempo self-report (1-7 'how rushed do you feel'). Could be reported as percent reduction in complexity metrics and change in felt tempo.