Modify NLU utterances and entities for a Virtual Agent topic

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read
  • View, test, and modify NLU utterances for a Virtual Agent topic on the NLU Intent tab in Virtual Agent Designer.

    Before you begin

    If the topic is not currently mapped to a model and intent, the NLU tab is not available. Specify a model and intent on the Properties tab in Virtual Agent Designer.

    Role required: virtual_agent_admin or admin

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > Conversational Interfaces > Virtual Agent > Designer.
    2. Set the topic discovery type toggle switch to NLU/Keyword.
    3. Open a topic and view the NLU Intent tab.
    4. On the Utterances tab, you can do the following:
      • Enter a new utterance in the box, and then select Add.
      • Select the pencil icon to edit an utterance.

        When you are done making changes, select Save.

    5. Optional: Associate entities with words in utterances.
      Entities represent the context for the action. For example, common industry terms can be defined as entities to clarify the context. Universal system entities may include known elements like date and time or currency. NLU can match defined entities with user input to slot-fill the values. There are five types of entities you can define. For detailed information, see NLU entities.
    6. Select Save in the header bar.

    What to do next

    After making changes, you can train, test, and publish the model from this tab.