What is the purpose of having a delay before speaking when recording?

The purpose of having a delay before speaking when recording is primarily to sync audio with video. When audio and video are recorded separately or when there is any potential lag in the system, allowing a brief moment before speaking helps ensure that the voice matches the corresponding video action. This synchronization is crucial in video production to maintain the natural flow of conversation and prevent the audience from perceiving them as disjointed. In situations like film or television production, the delay can also help the camera operator prepare and ensure that the camera is capturing the right moment, but the core objective focuses on achieving proper alignment between the audio of the dialogue and the visual performance on screen.