Tailor Siri to your preferences

1 Set some basic expectations

In System Preferences, click Siri’s icon. The first two items here determine the language and dialect Siri expects you to speak in, and the voice (language, accent and gender) in which Siri responds. Your choice in the former dictates the options available for the latter.

2 Pick a microphone

Many Macs have a built-in mic, but you might have a USB one or a headset for FaceTime, Skype, or Messenger. With the mic connected, click the Mic Input pop-up menu; when set to Automatic, macOS analyses and selects one, but you can pick one here.