Create a small talk topic

Build small talk topics that let Virtual Agent engage in casual conversation with users. A small talk topic provides a response to a casual question that users might ask during a conversation, such as the time or date. A small talk topic can occur anytime within a conversation session and can be unrelated to the original conversation intent.

Before you begin

Define the corresponding intent for a small talk topic in the appropriate NLU model.

Role required: virtual_agent_admin or admin

About this task

Small talk topics are NLU-based conversations that diverge from the original bot conversation, usually to provide answers or information to casual questions that end users might ask. For example, you can create small talk topics that provide the current weather or time of day. When users engage with the bot through a small talk topic, they can return to the original conversation topic.

Procedure

1. Navigate to All > Conversational Interfaces > Virtual Agent > Designer.
2. In the Topics page, click + Create.
3. For the Type, select Small Talk.
4. Follow the steps for creating a topic, including the NLU-related properties.
   Note the following:

   • When you set the topic properties in the Properties page, set the following NLU properties for the small talk topic:

     Field	Description
     NLU Model	Model that defines the intent for this small talk topic.
     Associated intent	Intent defined in the NLU model for this small talk topic.

   • When you complete your small talk topic, remember to publish it when you are ready to deploy it to your Virtual Agent clients.