DialogueGPT: Training Communication with AI
Introducing DialogueGPT for AI-powered communication training
How can we provide our leaders with high-quality, interactive communication training – on a global scale? This was the question posed by Corinna Jaron-Theiler and Manuel Schmidt from Festo. Their inquiry sparked a collaborative creation process with imc, culminating in the launch of DialogueGPT, which was unveiled at an exclusive event in Cologne.
Training communication effectively and at scale
With over 20,000 employees worldwide, Festo faced the challenge of efficiently and consistently developing communication skills among its leaders. Traditionally, this was done through role-play in live training sessions. However, these sessions were infrequent and unavailable at critical moments, such as when a leader had to prepare for a challenging conversation.
Corinna Jaron-Theiler recalls: "We asked ourselves: wouldn’t it be fantastic if leaders could simulate a difficult conversation beforehand to prepare? And if they could get instant feedback on their performance and areas for improvement?"
A collaborative development process
To bring additional learning expertise to the project, Festo partnered with imc. The idea was met with great enthusiasm. As imc board member Sven Becker explains: "There are things we can’t simply learn from a book but need to practice. I can’t learn to play the saxophone by reading a book, and the same applies to communication. E-learning alone isn’t enough; we must repeatedly practise these skills."
For Julian Kappich, Head of Content Products and Innovation at imc, the potential was clear: "Role-play is an effective tool for communication training, but it's often limited in availability. We knew that if we could digitise this, we’d create something truly valuable."
Within just a few weeks, the first prototype was developed and received positive feedback from a test group at Festo. During development, key stakeholders such as the works council and IT department were involved to ensure data security and employee input.
Personalised training and AI-driven feedback – globally
With DialogueGPT, users can select specific scenarios to simulate, such as a salary discussion. They can choose a pre-set character as their conversation partner or create a custom persona with defined traits.
After the chat-based simulation, users receive detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. For Manuel Schmidt, this feedback is the tool’s standout feature: "Practising is helpful, but for me, the feedback is the true 'aha' moment," he explains. "It holds up a mirror: Was I empathetic? Did I open the conversation well, or was I too blunt? This allows me to grow."
Corinna Jaron-Theiler highlights the tool's global applicability: "Our international teams can initiate a conversation and receive responses in their own language."
DialogueGPT represents a major step forward in leveraging AI to deliver scalable, impactful communication training worldwide.
Leaders introduce AI into the workplace
At Festo, DialogueGPT introduces users to AI in an accessible and interactive way. It helps them strengthen their skills while acting as role models for the rest of the workforce.
This works particularly well because AI is used not for its own sake but for a meaningful purpose. "The tool uses AI to create an emotional dialogue, with analysis coming later," explains Manuel Schmidt. "This way, we achieve our goal: engaging the head, heart, and hands equally."
Training communication with AI: where is it heading?
The future holds promising possibilities, as highlighted during the subsequent discussion with AI expert Ekrem Namazci. Other departments at Festo, such as procurement, have already expressed interest in using the tool for training sales negotiation skills. Additionally, there are plans to gradually give all employees access to DialogueGPT to improve their communication skills.
Sven Becker sees this as an important step: "Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can empower employees to take greater ownership of their work. They become proactive rather than simply consuming existing content. This represents a shift in mindset."
Developed in collaboration with Festo, DialogueGPT will also be available to other imc clients in the future. Customised training with company-specific content will also be possible, as Julian Kappich explains: "LLMs do have limitations, such as in-depth product knowledge. However, our clients have this expertise. Together, we could create bespoke training scenarios."
Festo also sees potential in integrating DialogueGPT into learning paths. For example, in conflict management training, the final assessment could involve a simulated conversation rather than a multiple-choice test, allowing learners to apply what they've learned directly. This approach evaluates competencies rather than just knowledge.
At the Cologne event, attendees had the chance to try DialogueGPT for themselves and found that it not only works but is also enjoyable. Moderator Ekrem Namazci summed it up: "This is a meaningful tool that can make the business world a little better. It helps leaders work on themselves, communicate more inclusively and respectfully, and engage with their teams. Here, AI is being used for something good."
For more information about DialogueGPT and the project, see the case study:
