Intro to Video Avatar AI Roleplay
You experience a more immersive, face-to-face simulation: the AI is represented by a video avatar that speaks and reacts during the call, instead of a voice-only or chat interface.
Video Mode is ideal when you want reps to practice:
- Camera-on or in-person-style conversations.
- Product demos or screen shares while the AI watches and responds.
- Nonverbal and presentation skills in addition to what they say.
Why use it?
- Immersive practice — Face-to-face simulation builds confidence for video calls and in-person meetings.
- Richer feedback — Roleplay can be scored not only on what is said but on gestures, demo execution, and what is spoken during demo slides (when screen share is used).
- Demo readiness — Reps can practice sharing their screen (e.g., slides, product) and narrating it while the AI engages, so feedback can reflect how well they presented the demo.
- Consistency with real calls — Many customer conversations are on video; practicing in Video Mode aligns training with how reps will actually sell or present.
How Video Mode is scored
Video Avatar roleplays are evaluated with the full context of the session, including:
- Gestures — Use of appropriate body language and presence (where supported).
- Demo capabilities — How well the rep runs a product or slide demo (e.g., clarity, flow, relevance to the conversation).
- What is spoken during the demo slide — Whether the rep effectively explains or narrates what’s on screen (e.g., key points, benefits, next steps) rather than leaving the prospect to guess.
Your scorecard defines the exact criteria and weights; ensure it includes dimensions for gestures, demo quality, and demo narration when you want that feedback.
Important product details
- Call type: Video Avatar roleplay uses the Video Mode (or “Video”) call type when creating or editing an agent. Voice-only and Chat modes are separate options.
- Avatar: In Video Mode, the agent uses a video avatar (AI-generated talking head) from a curated set. You choose the avatar (e.g., by gender/preference) in the agent’s persona settings.
- Screen share: During a Video Mode session, the rep can start and stop screen share. This is used for demos (e.g., slides, product). What they say while sharing can be part of scoring (demo narration).
- Gatekeeper: Gatekeeper is not available for Video Mode (or Chat Mode); it applies only to voice (Call) roleplays.
- Feature availability: Video Mode may be controlled by a Video Roleplays feature or plan. If it’s not enabled for your workspace, Video Mode may appear as “Video Mode (On Request)” and be disabled until the feature is turned on.
2. Use Cases
Sales demos and product walkthroughs
Reps practice sharing their screen (deck, demo, or product) and narrating it while the AI prospect asks questions or raises objections. Scoring can focus on demo flow, clarity of explanation, and what is said during each slide or step.
Video call and camera-on readiness
Teams that run customer calls on video use Video Mode so reps get used to being on camera and to a face-to-face dynamic. Feedback can include presence and gestures where the scorecard supports it.
Pitch and presentation practice
Reps rehearse pitches or presentations with slides in a realistic setup: they share their screen, advance slides, and speak to the content while the AI responds. Evaluation can cover structure, key messages, and how well they tie spoken content to what’s on screen.
Executive or high-touch conversations
For executive or high-touch scenarios, Video Mode adds the formality and presence of a video meeting. Reps practice tone, pacing, and professionalism in a face-to-face-style simulation.
Onboarding and certification
New hires or certified reps can be required to complete video avatar roleplays (including a demo) so managers ensure they can present and explain the product effectively, with scoring on both conversation and demo quality.
3. Best Practices
Choose the right avatar
- Select a video avatar that fits the scenario (e.g., professional, friendly). Avatars are typically chosen by gender or name from the available set in the agent’s Persona or Identity section when Call Type is Video Mode.
Use screen share for demo scenarios
- When the goal is to practice demos or slides, have reps start screen share during the session and present as they would in a real call. This allows scoring of demo execution and what is spoken during the demo/slides.
Align the scorecard with video and demo goals
- If you care about gestures, demo capabilities, and what is said during the demo, configure the scorecard (or evaluation criteria) to include those dimensions. Without them, feedback will focus only on what the system is set to evaluate.
Brief reps on expectations
- Tell reps that screen share is available and that they will be evaluated on how they present (including demo and narration), so they use the feature and speak clearly to their slides or product.
4. Examples
Example 1: Product demo roleplay
- Agent name: “Product Demo – Platform Overview.”
- Call type: Video Mode.
- Avatar: e.g., “Charlie” (professional, neutral).
- Scenario: “Second meeting; prospect asked for a product walkthrough.”
- Instructions to rep: “Share your screen and walk through the Platform Overview deck (slides 1–5). Explain pricing on slide 4 and suggest next steps. Answer any questions.”
- Scorecard: Includes “Demo flow,” “Clarity of explanation,” “What is spoken during the demo slide,” and “Objection handling.”
Example 2: Executive pitch (video + presence)
- Agent name: “Executive Pitch – Video.”
- Call type: Video Mode.
- Avatar: e.g., “Olivia” (executive-style).
- Scenario: “C-suite prospect; 20-minute slot; decision-maker only.”
- Instructions to rep: “Present the one-pager and ROI slide. Be concise. Use professional tone and presence.”
- Scorecard: Includes “Gestures / presence,” “Clarity,” “Key messages,” “Time management.”
Example 3: Discovery with optional demo
- Agent name: “Discovery + Demo – Video.”
- Call type: Video Mode.
- Scenario: “Discovery call; prospect open to a short demo if relevant.”
- Instructions to rep: “Conduct discovery first. If the prospect shows interest in a specific capability, you may share your screen and show that feature. Explain what you’re showing as you go.”
- Scorecard: Includes discovery criteria plus “Demo relevance” and “What is spoken during the demo.”
5. Quick Reference
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is Video Avatar roleplay? | Roleplay with a video (avatar) AI and optional screen share for demos. |
| Call type | Video Mode (supports_video). |
| Avatar | Video avatars from a fixed set (e.g., Luna, Charlie, Olivia); chosen in Persona when Call Type is Video. |
| Screen share | Available during the video session for demos; what is spoken during the demo can be scored. |
| Scoring | Can include gestures, demo capabilities, and what is spoken during the demo slide; set this in the scorecard. |
| Gatekeeper | Not available for Video Mode. |
| Feature | May require “Video Roleplays” to be enabled; otherwise shown as “Video Mode (On Request)” and disabled. |