The Ultimate Guide to AI Roleplays: Benefits and Applications

No matter what industry, it’s no secret that AI roleplays are becoming more and more popular for improving your professional and personal life. They’re a versatile tool that can be leveraged for everything from professional development to self-improvement. 

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about AI roleplays, including what they are, how they work, specific applications and use cases, the benefits and considerations of using AI roleplays, and how you can use them to your advantage.  

What Is an AI Roleplay? 

An AI roleplay is a made-up interaction between a human and artificial intelligence (AI). Most AI roleplays tend to use generative AI, a specific type of artificial intelligence that gives people a human-esque response to prompts or questions.

There are multiple different types of roleplays, from interactive to text-based, and can range from typical casual conversations to complicated scenarios. In general, roleplaying with AI is a pretty accessible tool to build on and improve a variety of skills.

What are AI roleplays used for?

AI roleplays an be used for a number of purposes. They’re very versatile, which is part of what makes them beneficial across the board. 

One of the common use cases for AI roleplays is to practice and develop social skills. For example, folks can simulate realistic conversations to practice their existing communication skills and incorporate newly learned skills. This could include learning how to implement skills like active listening, efficient communication, and inclusive language.

AI roleplays are also commonly used for education, training, and development, too. This might be its biggest use case. For example, AI tools like Yoodli provide realistic, simulated conversations for folks to practice their skills risk-free. This could include things like language learning, in which an AI tool acts as a conversation partner for folks trying to learn a new language looking to perfect their listening, comprehension, and speaking abilities. 

No matter the industry, most folks can benefit from using these roleplays for training and development. For example, salespeople can use artificial intelligence to practice implementing various sales methodologies, handling objections, or simply engaging in healthy conversation with prospects. 

Of course, AI roleplays can also be used for entertainment, too. People can roleplay with AI just for fun, to stave off boredom, or even for creative outlets. For example, folks who play “Dungeons & Dragons” can use AI roleplays for world-building, character development, idea generation, and overcoming creative blocks, just to name a few. 

Types of AI Roleplays

As mentioned above, there are tons of different types of AI roleplays. The most common types include interactive roleplays, text-based roleplays, and roleplaying games, although this isn’t an exhaustive list. 

Interactive AI roleplays

One of the most popular types of AI roleplays is interactive roleplays. Interactive AI roleplays include a few various subtypes and use cases. For example, virtual reality (VR) roleplays are quickly rising in popularity. 

With these, folks can get lost in a completely new world and interact in real time with virtual characters. Exploring virtual environments can be a great tool for creative folks looking for a fun way to practice world-building or for true educational purposes. 

This category also included augmented reality (AR) roleplays, where users can tap into AR technology to integrate AI characters into their real world. 

Although interactive AI roleplays are arguably still in its infancy, the possibilities are endless.

Text-based AI roleplays

Of course, text-based AI roleplays are a big player in the world of artificial intelligence. 

This can include specific scenario-based roleplays where folks face a particular situation and need to interact appropriately. For example, a sales roleplay might have reps practicing implementing a certain sales methodology during a simulated conversation. 

Similarly, conversation AI roleplays can be used for professional purposes or personal purposes, like building your social or conversational skills. 

AI roleplaying games 

Some people prefer to use AI solely for roleplaying games. For example, with multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs), users can have AI control non-player characters (NPCs) for a richer gaming experience. Similarly, AI can be used in single-player rolepaying games, too. In this use case, the AI could simulate interesting interactions for the player or offer dynamic, engaging situations. 

3 Examples of AI Roleplays to Explore

The use case of these roleplays is virtually endless. That’s part of what makes AI such a critical field to continue developing and exploring. Here are three specific examples of AI roleplays to explore, specifically for sales onboarding, customer success, and manager training.

1. AI roleplays for sales onboarding

One of the best applications is using AI roleplays for sales onboarding. Many organizations tap into artificial intelligence for training new sales reps and ensuring they’re able to develop the necessary skills for sales success. Because AI roleplays for sales onboarding provide a controlled environment for new employees to practice, they can completely revolutionize how new hires build their negotiation and communication skills. 

For example, some of the most common use cases for AI roleplays for sales onboarding include scenarios like: 

• Objection handling, where an AI bot can effectively act as a prospect who’s frustrated or simply raising common objections that new reps can then practice handling and overcoming them
• Customer service calls, in which reps tap into AI to experience simulated customer service interactions to improve their own problem-solving and effective communication skills
• Product demos, where AI bots can produce simulated client interactions and seek out more information about the product, which lets new employees put their presentation skills and product knowledge to the test in a safe, risk-free environment 
• Deal closing, in which new hires can work on their closing techniques during a simulated negotiation scenario using AI

The good news is, there’s really no end to how you can use AI roleplays for sales onboarding to you and your team’s advantage. 

2. AI roleplays for customer success

Customer success is another great area in which people can explore using AI roleplaying. Anyone can lean on artificial intelligence to train and develop customer success teams. AI roleplays for customer success are particularly helpful for customer success representatives (CSRs) looking for a safe space to improve their performance by sharpening their skills. 

For example, some specific applications of AI roleplays for customer success include uses like:

• Client retention, where an AI bot would produce customer churn scenarios so that folks in customer success can work on creating and implementing methods to keep at-risk clients 
• Problem-solving, where CSRs can practice active listening, troubleshooting problems clients may face, and coming to the table with a solutions-oriented mindset to best assist customers 
• Cross-selling or upselling, in which folks in customer success can work on practicing cross-selling or upselling to various clientele 
• Client onboarding, where CSRs can use customer onboarding simulations to understand how to navigate clients through the service or product journey
• Managing complex customers, where AI roleplays for customer success can help folks practice interacting with frustrated, angry, or upset clients that could be challenging, especially for new hires 

Using AI roleplays for customer success can offer new hires in particular an engaging, custom leaning experience that allows them to develop the skills they need to showcase next-level customer service. 

3. AI roleplays for manager training

Not surprisingly, AI roleplays for manager training are also exceptionally helpful. For manager training specifically, developing the management and leadership skills necessary for a successful manager can be tricky. But simulated yet realistic scenarios can offer managers a place where they can safely practice their skills without risk.

For example, folks can use AI roleplays for manager training for scenarios like: 

• Tough employee conversations, in which AI can simulate difficult interactions with employees, such as disciplinary action, performance issues, or other challenging situations
• Conflict resolution, another challenging skill necessary for manager training, can be simulated with AI for managers to practice resolving conflict with outside stakeholders or internally, with team members  
• Performance reviews, where managers can tap into AI roleplays for manager training to learn how to offer employees constructive feedback and navigate conversations 
• Exercises for team building, in which an AI tool can create team-building activities where managers cna practice implementing efficient communication and leadership skills amongst the team

Managers need to have the confidence and ability to both manage and lead their teams efficiently, and practicing these necessary skills in a safe, simulated environment is a great way to leverage AI roleplays. 

5 Worthwhile Benefits of AI Roleplays

The field of artificial intelligence continues to expand, and as such, so does the scope of its potential benefits and applications. Here are the top benefits to using AI roleplays in your professional and personal life. 

1. AI roleplays offer a controlled, risk-free environment. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage to AI roleplays is the safe, controlled environment they provide users. For example, before AI, folks looking to practice the STAR method for interviews would likely practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. Today, people can leverage AI to practice nearly anything. 

It’s particularly helpful for situations that might have negative consequences for the person involved. For sales folks, practicing a sales methodology new to them live during a client meeting could have negative results, like the losing leads or less closed deals. Similarly, practicing your interview skills during an actual interview could lead to you not getting the job. With AI however, you can practice any skill to your heart’s content without risking negative consequences. 

2. The feedback from AI tools is consistent. 

With AI training, you know what you’re getting into. There’s no passive aggression, and the feedback, support, and overall response from AI tools is completely consistent. With humans, it’ll be a toss-up. The support and feedback you receive from a person might not be consistent and their overall approach might change over time. In other words, you know what you’re signing up for when you use AI for feedback or improvement. 

3. People can take advantage of customized learning. 

Another great benefit of AI roleplays is the personalized learning folks can use. For example, an AI tool can change its roleplay approach based on the user’s individual skillset, concerns, needs, and frustrations. 

This is especially helpful for students and language learners who can have very different needs depending on their skill level. 

4. Using AI roleplays can be more cost-effective. 

Although it’ll depend on the tool you use, in general, using AI roleplays can be more cost-effective than other training approaches. For example, paying for Sandler sales training can be worthwhile for many sales teams, but for teams who are looking for ways to save resources, using AI roleplays can be a cheaper option. 

5. AI roleplays are generally accessible. 

Generally speaking, AI roleplays are pretty accessible to the general public. Whereas some tools are expensive and inaccessible to the average person, there are tons of free-to-use tools for AI roleplaying. Not only that, but they can usually be used anywhere, anytime, which is perfect for people who want to invest in their professional or personal skills. 

That’s not to say every single AI tool is accessible, though. It can take a little bit of experimentation and research to find the perfect tool for you.

Considerations for Using AI Roleplays

Even though there are tons of advantages to using AI roleplays, there are certainly some considerations folks should keep in mind. 

Because AI is still considered to be in its infancy, there are still plenty of technical limitations for AI roleplaying. For example, many AI bots have limitations with regard to natural language processing. It can also prove difficult for AI tools to fully understand context, not to mention the instances of AI hallucinations and bias.  

Similarly, AI as a whole has very limited emotional intelligence, which means tools can have a harder time knowing how to respond to more nuanced, complicated emotional cues. At the end of the day, today’s AI capabilities still can’t fully reproduce the intricacies of human interaction. 

There’s also the ever-evolving dependence on AI, in which people fall into the trap of over-relying on AI tools. Plus, how effective an AI roleplay will be completely depends on the underlying tech quality. That’s why it’s so critical to choose a tool that you can trust. 

How to Use Yoodli for AI Roleplays

When it comes to AI roleplays, Yoodli is the perfect solution. No matter if you’re looking to use these roleplays for professional reasons, like beating the forgetting curve, or personal reasons, there’s no better tool to tap into.

Yoodli is a versatile, virtual coach that uses AI to help users learn new skills, practice existing ones, and improve based on the data-backed feedback they receive. For some folks, Yoodli acts as a sales coach for at-scale sales training and implementation. Large orgs such as Dale Carnegie, Korn Ferry, and even Google have all used Yoodli for sales purposes, namely decreasing ramp and increasing seller attainment. 

For this purpose, sales enablement leaders have their reps practice various sales methodologies using realistic sales roleplays simulations, like cold calls and inbound and outbound discovery. That way, reps can practice using new skills without risking anything, like lost deals or prospects.

For example, Yoodli recently partnered with Google Cloud to get over 15,000 sales reps up to speed. This case study was such a success that Google extended its partnership with Yoodli to other programs as well.

No matter what kind of AI roleplay you’re looking for, you can use Yoodli’s expert capabilities at https://yoodli.ai/. 

The Bottom Line

There’s no doubt about it: AI roleplays can be a revolutionary tool for your professional and personal life. Still, it’s not perfect and users need to understand the nuances of AI roleplaying before over-relying on them to solve every issue. 

Whether you’re looking to boost your performance at work or improve your social skills, using a tool like Yoodli can elevate your experience. 

Sources

• Stanford University Teaching Commons: “Exploring the pedagogical uses of AI chatbots.”
• Medium: “Powerful Ways How AI Can Enhance Your D&D Sessions.”
• Strivr: “The role of GenAI in immersive learning & VR training experiences.”
• HubSpot: “AI and Customer Success — How Technology and People Skills Go Hand-in-Hand.”
• MIT Sloan Teaching & Learning Technologies: “When AI Gets It Wrong: Addressing AI Hallucinations and Bias.”