How to turn on Alexa Brief Mode and Whisper Mode To turn on Brief Mode, which makes Alexa talk less and removes things such as confirmations for when you ask it to do something, just say "Alexa, turn on Brief Mode." Or, you can do this if you're not near your Echo: Open the Alexa app on your iPhone or Android phone. Tap "More" on the bottom right of the screen. Choose "Settings." Turn on "Brief Mode." While you're at it, you might want to turn off Alexa's suggestions that you buy stuff. It just did that while I was writing this guide, asking if I wanted suggestions for funny gifts. No, thanks.