Why conversation nodes exist
Most workflow automations are one-shot: a trigger fires, actions run, and the workflow ends. But many real-world tasks require back-and-forth dialogue — qualifying a lead, resolving a support ticket, collecting form data, or getting approval. Conversation nodes give your workflows the ability to hold stateful, multi-turn conversations with people while the rest of the workflow continues running.How they work together
Conversation nodes follow a layered architecture. Each layer has a clear responsibility:| Layer | Nodes | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | Channel Dispatcher, Ask a Person | Open a communication channel and manage message polling |
| Actor | Communication Actor, LLM Actor | Process conversations with AI |
| Messaging | Send Message, Clear Conversation | Send outbound messages and manage conversation data |
Two architecture patterns
Modular pattern (recommended)
Separate the channel from the AI logic. This gives you more control — you can route different conversations to different actors, chain actors together, or add logic between them.All-in-one pattern
The Ask a Person combines channel + AI in a single node. Simpler to set up for straightforward use cases.Supported channels
All conversation nodes support the same set of communication channels:| Channel | Initiator mode | Responder mode |
|---|---|---|
| Web Widget | — | Yes |
| Gmail | Yes | Yes |
| Outlook | Yes | Yes |
| Slack | Yes | Yes |
| Slack (OAuth) | Yes | Yes |
| Slackbot (built-in) | — | Yes |
| SMS (Twilio) | Yes | Yes |
| WhatsApp Business | — | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | — | Yes |
Initiator mode means the workflow starts the conversation (e.g., sends the first email). Responder mode means the workflow waits for someone to reach out.
Choosing the right nodes
I need a simple chatbot or support agent
I need a simple chatbot or support agent
Use Channel Dispatcher + LLM Actor. The LLM Actor gives you direct control over the model, system prompt, and tools without needing to configure a skillset.
I need structured data collection (forms, qualification)
I need structured data collection (forms, qualification)
Use Channel Dispatcher + Communication Actor. The Communication Actor uses the Skillset Engine, which is designed for collecting structured data through natural conversation.
I need a quick all-in-one conversational workflow
I need a quick all-in-one conversational workflow
Use Ask a Person. It combines channel management and AI logic in a single node — good for simple workflows where you don’t need to route between different actors.
I need to route conversations to different AI agents
I need to route conversations to different AI agents
Use Channel Dispatcher + multiple Communication Actors or LLM Actors with a Condition or Multi-Condition node to route based on message content, user data, or AI classification.
I need to send a one-off message mid-workflow
I need to send a one-off message mid-workflow
Use Send Message. It sends a message through an existing conversation opened by a Channel Dispatcher or Ask a Person.
All conversation nodes
Channel Dispatcher
Open a communication channel and emit events when messages arrive.
Ask a Person
All-in-one channel + AI conversation manager.
Communication Actor
Handle conversations using the Skillset Engine for structured data collection.
LLM Actor
Handle conversations using an LLM with tool calling.
Send Message
Send a message through an active conversation.
Clear Conversation
Reset conversation messages, metadata, or state.