Attensi, a global leader in game-based simulation training, today unveiled Attensi RealTalk: the first role-play training solution to incorporate Agentic AI and AI free-form dialogue with realistic, virtual humans.

It comes as new research shows that 75% of employees have experienced anxiety due to difficult workplace conversations and 72% of employees would welcome training on how to handle difficult conversations in the workplace, rising to 87% for Gen Z.

And a majority of employees would welcome this training from an AI Virtual role-play trainer, rather than their manager. When asked if they would prefer role-play training from their manager or an AI Virtual trainer, employees were evenly split at 38% each way. Remarkably, almost a quarter of respondents – 24% – expressed no preference between the AI trainer and the human manager.

This will be welcome news for managers, who can save valuable time by handing training over to their AI Virtual Human colleagues.

75% of employees reported that they have experienced anxiety in handling difficult workplace conversations, with 63% having felt this in the last two years and 33% as recently as the last 6 months. This is even more stark for Gen Z and Millennials at 39% and 38% respectively.

The more they use AI, the more likely employees are to fear AI taking some or all of their jobs, but they are also the most likely to welcome AI to help them train to be better at their jobs.

A Safe Space to Practice Difficult Conversations

Attensi RealTalk enables employees to engage in realistic and challenging conversations in role-play scenarios, interacting with AI-powered virtual humans across a wide range of disciplines including:

• Sales roles

• Customer service

• Coaching

Using a unique combination of Agentic AI, AI freeform dialogue, voice recognition, and bespoke simulation design, Attensi RealTalk transports users into real-time conversations in role-play scenarios that feel true-to-life in their job, enabling them to practice and improve their interpersonal skills in even the most challenging, uncomfortable, and nerve-wracking situations.

Unrivalled in the market – Attensi RealTalk is completely tailored to specific business contexts and requirements, including language and culture, to provide a realistic challenge for people from onboarding to upskilling.

For example:

• A manager talking to a seemingly disengaged employee with the aim of resolving a recent lapse in customer service standards

• A sales exec objection handling

• A consultant engaging in a complex negotiation at risk of breaking down

• A journalist conducting an exclusive interview with someone who is highly media trained

Attensi Conversation Training Impact Data:

• 31% improvement in effective handling of difficult conversations

• 96% felt more confident in client interactions

• 89% increase in confidence in coaching and development teams

RealTalkers Don’t Just Talk Back, They Kick Back Too!

Lifelike and responsive at conversation pace, Attensi RealTalkers are engineered to feel real and push back when challenged. They are individually programmed to have realistic personality traits, human expressions, and character nuances. They can make you feel nervous and put you under pressure or shut down and close up if you push them too far – allowing you to practice EQ skills before in-person conversations.

Trainees can start in guided mode and progress to the more challenging open mode option.

Why Attensi RealTalk?

Attensi RealTalk solves many of the challenges related to traditional in-person training and role-plays, which are restricted by the availability of human resources, limited in scale and realistic context, and not always conducive to constructive learning for those who feel anxious or uncomfortable performing in front of peers or managers.

Key Features:

• Realistic Conversations: Super-high-quality animations and natural voices for humanlike conversations in true-to-life interactions

• Bespoke Solutions: Tailored to individual business needs, best practices, benchmark scoring, and objectives

• Safe Space to Learn: A risk-free space where individuals are free to practice, adapt their techniques, and test different approaches

Trond Aas, CEO Attensi:

“AI is an ally rather than a threat to employees. Our human skills and EQ, particularly soft skills and interpersonal skills, are more important than ever. We know that people want more help with difficult conversations and Attensi RealTalk is the perfect partner. One of the most important use cases for AI is to upskill employees at scale in these areas. Employers need to embrace the power of AI and adopt the right AI tools to help their employees grow and excel, close skills gaps, and adapt to change. Attensi RealTalk is a gamechanger in workplace training.”

About Attensi

Attensi is a leading training and performance platform that combines psychology, technology and gaming principles. Since 2013, Attensi game-based simulations and training solutions have empowered organizations around the world to develop their workforce through engaging, interactive training experiences that have real impact. With a focus on innovation and cutting-edge AI technology, Attensi is shaping the future of learning and development, helping people and organizations grow to become exceptional.

Clients include Circle K, Hiscox, YMCA, London Business School, Boehringer Ingelheim and KPMG.

Attensi has offices in Oslo, London, Boston, Cologne and Stockholm.