A growing number of IVR systems that use computer-generated speech provide a “face” using an animated avatar with lip-synced speech. (See www.speechtek.com/europe2010/avatar for examples.) The primary motivation is to more fully engage the user by using eyes as well as ears. Does doing so help or hinder communication between user and computer? Are avatars important in an eyes-busy situation such as driving? Should the avatar be humanlike or clearly a cartoon? Express your opinion.