---
sourceDocument: Yokohama Conversational Interfaces
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/yokohama/conversational-interfaces

 Release :

    - yokohama

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Yokohama Conversational Interfaces

ft:clusterId :

    - convint

bundleId :

    - convint

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Create a small talk topic

# Create a small talk topic {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Yokohama  
Updated January 30, 2025  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
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

If you're creating an LLM small talk topic, ensure you are familiar with LLM descriptions and instructions. For more information, see [LLM description and instruction guidelines for Virtual Agent topics](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/BgMvr2SbJsrfQX0yo0SSLw "When you create large language model (LLM) topics, you provide instructions that determine the behavior of the LLM and a description that determines how the topic is discovered by the LLM.").

If you're creating an NLU small talk topic, define the corresponding intent in the appropriate NLU model.

Role required: virtual_agent_admin or admin

## About this task

Small talk topics are 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.  
Note:  
If you have activated Now Assist in Virtual Agent, you can also create small talk filters to redirect the conversation if needed. For more information, see .

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllConversational InterfacesVirtual AgentDesigner.
2. On the home page, select Create.
3. For the Type, select Small Talk.
4. Follow the steps for [creating a topic](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/P~llhfRcn4ibg40rUOYk~Q "Use Virtual Agent Designer to create and modify Virtual Agent topics (conversations). Build your topic to meet a specific objective or goal, such as fulfilling a user's request or helping a user complete a task.").  
   Note:  
   * If you're creating an NLU/keyword small talk topic, fill in the following fields on the Properties page.  
     {#create-small-talk__table_qgp_4gh_13b__entry__2}

     | 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. |
     [ ]

     {#create-small-talk__table_qgp_4gh_13b}
   * When you complete your small talk topic, remember to publish it when you are ready to deploy it to your Virtual Agent clients.
   {#create-small-talk__ul_s3r_ttj_13b}

*[\>]: and then