1. A computer method for generating a response output to be provided to a user of a computer; the method comprising the steps of: receiving a response representation specifying a structured output for use as the basis for the response output to the user, the response representation associated with a domain model for a speech-enabled application; selecting a syntax template based on a goal-directed rule invoked in response to the response representation; and producing the response output based on the selected syntax template, the response representation, and the domain model.