Sorry but that doesn't explain the point of optional phrases, isn't it easier to just have the phrases you will say?
If you install one of the standard configurations -- which is what our "getting started" documentation suggests new users should always begin with, rather than installing the Basic configuration -- you will see various commands, where it should be fairly clear why optional phrases can be useful.
That said, you don't
need to use optional phrases. It's an option. If you don't want to have optional phrases -- that is, phrases that VC will understand if you say them, but which are not *required* for the command to be executed -- then don't create commands that use optional phrases.
Regarding whether there are tutorials on payloads:
There is a ton of information on payloads. Start with the wiki.
http://voxcommando.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=PayloadsAlso, on the forum board called
Tutorials there is a stickied thread that is called:
NEW USERS: Payloads -- what are they and how do I use them?
Also, both tutorials 1A and 1B go into great detail about all the different kinds of payloads.
A bunch of other video tutorials also demonstrate how to use payloads.