Configure conversation flow

Add the Conversation Flow module to a character, or let Convai auto-create it, then assign a profile to tune its timing.

Add ConvaiConversationFlowController to a character yourself, or let Convai add it automatically, then assign a ConvaiConversationFlowProfile to change how quickly it moves between dialogue states. Use this page once you want direct control over the module's timing instead of relying on its built-in defaults.

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Prerequisites

• A ConvaiCharacter in your scene.
• Optional but recommended: an embodiment module that reads dialogue state — Gaze, Body Animation, Body Language, or Emotion — already added, so tuning Conversation Flow has a visible effect. Conversation Flow alone changes nothing about how the character looks; it only tracks state for the other modules to read.

You rarely need this page for its first step. If your character already has Body Animation with Auto Create Conversation Flow enabled (the default), Convai adds the controller for you the first time it is needed. Skip to Assign a profile if that is your situation.

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Add the controller

1

Select the character

In the Hierarchy, select the GameObject that carries the ConvaiCharacter component.

2

Add the Conversation Flow component

In the Inspector, select Add Component, then Convai > Embodiment > Conversation Flow. This adds ConvaiConversationFlowController.

Convai also adds the shared infrastructure the module needs — an EmbodimentContext — automatically. You do not add this yourself.

3

Leave the profile unassigned to start

With no profile assigned, the component's Profile section shows an Using SDK Defaults notice and the controller runs on built-in timing values, which work. Assign a profile only once you want to change the pace.

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Assign a profile

1

Create a profile asset

Select Assets > Create > Convai > Embodiment > Conversation Flow Profile. This creates a ConvaiConversationFlowProfile asset.

2

Assign it to the controller

Select the character and drag the profile asset onto the Flow Profile field in the component's Profile section.

3

Tune the timing fields

Open the profile asset and adjust its fields under Transition, Dialogue Beats, and Energy — for example, lower Thinking Max Hold for a character that should reply faster. See Conversation flow reference for every field, its range, and its default.

A profile asset can be shared across multiple characters. Editing it changes the timing for every character it is assigned to.

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Verify the setup

Enter Play mode, select the character, and expand the Live section on the ConvaiConversationFlowController component (or open Convai > Embodiment Editor, select the Live tab). Start a conversation and confirm State moves through Listening, Thinking, and Speaking as the conversation progresses, instead of staying on Idle.

Expected result: State changes away from Idle shortly after you start speaking, and Time In State resets to 0.0s each time it changes.

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Troubleshooting

If State never leaves Idle, or the character lingers in a state longer than the profile's values suggest it should, see Troubleshoot conversation flow.

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Next steps

Conversation flow referenceTroubleshoot conversation flowEmbodiment presets