Chatbots and AI-driven avatars are revolutionizing the way we learn and interact with information. One of the most intriguing applications is in the field of sales training. Imagine a talking avatar that can teach you the ins and outs of sales techniques—from cold calling to closing a deal. This is not science fiction; it's a reality you can create using ChatGPT!
Pros
- Cost-effective: Once set up, the avatar can train an unlimited number of people without additional costs.
- Consistency: The avatar delivers the same high-quality training every time.
- Accessibility: Trainees can access the training anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
- Customization: The script can be easily updated to include new sales techniques or industry-specific information.
Cons
- Lack of human interaction: The avatar can't provide real-time feedback or emotional support.
- Limited scope: While ChatGPT is advanced, it may not cover every nuance or scenario in sales.
Creating a prompt to generate the script
Creating a script is straightforward. You'll need to access a ChatGPT interface, either through OpenAI's API or a third-party service. Once you're in, you can use a prompt to generate the script. The prompt should be detailed to ensure the generated script meets your requirements. Typical speaking rates are 130-160 words per minute, and ChatGPT is bad at math so I suggest prompting by word count, not time count. 500 words is about three minutes.
"Create a 500-word, text-only script for a talking avatar that teaches the fundamentals of sales, focusing on the importance of understanding customer needs, building rapport, and effective closing techniques. Do not include time markers please. Be professional and businesslike. Don't use section headers or lists, please write as a continuous speech." (Figure 1)
Figure 1: The prompt creates the presentation script
Note all the modifiers I put in there. They’re key! Simple prompts give simple results. Or, as others say in prompting, “garbage in, garbage out.”
Generated sample (shorter) sales script
"Hello, future sales stars! Today, we're diving into the essentials of sales. Let's get started!
First up, understanding customer needs. You can't sell anything if you don't know what your customer wants. So, ask questions and listen more than you talk. Think of it like being a detective; you're gathering clues to solve the 'sale.'
Next, building rapport. People buy from people they like. Simple as that. So, be genuine, show interest, and make a connection. Imagine you're making a new friend, not just a sale.
Now, let's talk about closing. You've understood their needs, built rapport, and now it's time to seal the deal. Use a closing technique that fits the situation. One popular method is the 'Assumptive Close,' where you act as if the customer has already decided to buy. For example, 'Shall we proceed with shipping to your office or home?'
Remember, sales is not just about transactions; it's about relationships. Master these fundamentals, and you'll not only make sales, you'll make customers for life."
Creating a “talking head” animation
ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for creating sales training scripts for talking avatars. The technology offers cost-effectiveness, consistency, and accessibility but lacks real-time human interaction. A well-crafted prompt is crucial for generating a script that meets your training objectives. By leveraging ChatGPT, you can create a talking avatar that serves as an effective sales training tool, democratizing access to high-quality sales education.
Creating a "talking head" animation for sales training or any educational purpose has never been easier, thanks to advancements in AI and machine learning. With a generated script in hand you can use tools like D-ID, HeyGen, Synthesia, or Adobe Express to bring your script to life. In this example, we'll focus on generating a face image in Midjourney and then use that image in D-ID to create a talking avatar.
Generating a face in Midjourney and using it in D-ID allows you to create a customized talking avatar. The process is straightforward, involving just a few steps in each platform.
How to generate a face image in Midjourney
You can use any image generator or use a default image from your video generator, but I like generating fresh images every time. Why use stale assets in this day and age?
To access Midjourney, navigate to the Midjourney platform in Discord and sign in. Use the platform's features to generate a face that aligns with the persona you envision for your sales training avatar. I'm using "/imagine prompt:a black female CEO with pink hair, realistic photograph, canon eos mk5d, 50mm, bokeh". You want a realistic photograph, and I suggest naming a fancy camera, a lens length, and bokeh, for that professional touch. (Figure 2)
Figure 2: Use Midjourney to generate the avatar’s face
Once satisfied, download the generated face image. Think of this step as casting an actor for a movie. You're choosing the face that will represent your script.
Import the image and script into D-ID
Access the D-ID platform and log in. Navigate to the section where you can upload a new face and upload the image generated from Midjourney. (Figure 3)
Figure 3: Upload and optimize presenter image
Find the text script section on the right and paste your generated sales script. DON’T FORGET to pick a voice! You can use a default voice or build your own from scratch (using your own voice, for example) at Eleven Labs. (Figure 4)
Figure 4: Avatar and script joined
After pasting the script and uploading the image, click Generate Video. D-ID will process the data to create a talking avatar. The avatar will recite your script, complete with lip-syncing and facial expressions. It's like turning your script into a mini-movie where the actor is your generated face and the dialogue is your sales training material. (Figure 5)
Figure 5: The generated presenter and script
Use a combination of tools and imagination
While there are many advantages to using D-ID, such as ease of use and realism, be mindful of potential limitations like cost and emotional range. By combining the capabilities of Midjourney and D-ID, you can create a compelling, realistic talking avatar that delivers your sales training script in an engaging manner. This approach offers a unique blend of customization and automation, making it an excellent choice for modern sales training solutions.