Setting Preferences
Adjust Conversation Settings
To adjust conversation settings in HostBuddy, navigate to the 'Preferences' interface on the messaging page. Within this interface, you will see various options, including 'Defer Behavior', 'Save Settings', and additional configurations.
Conversation Settings Breakdown
Defer Behavior
Defer behavior is how HostBuddy manages situations requiring human assistance. For example, if there is a maintenance emergency, a cleanliness issue that requires a re-cleaning, a special request needing approval, or any decision needing human intervention, HostBuddy will use the defer behavior when responding to the guest. HostBuddy will respond to guests based on your preferences and then generate an action item, which can be sent to you as a notification. Essentially, defer behavior determines how HostBuddy handles high level conversations with guests when there is no likelihood of a resolution without support.
This defers the message to the primary host. HostBuddy will say something like, "The primary host will assist you once they are back online."
This defers the issue to your team. HostBuddy will say something like, "Please let me check with my team and I'll get back to you as soon as I have an update."
HostBuddy will pretend to be the host, saying something like, "Let me look into this and I'll get back to you once I have a solution."
This provides guests with a phone number or email. HostBuddy sends this to the guest in an emergency situation.
HostBuddy will not respond to the message. The host will be notified and can respond when available.
Additional Conversation Preferences
Use Signature
The Signature section, when toggled on, allows you to add a signature to every message sent by HostBuddy. For example, it could be something like "Sam's AI Helper" or "Inn It to Win It's AI Assistant".
Conversation Closing
The conversation closing setting is a preference you can toggle on or off. If you toggle conversation closing to 'yes', HostBuddy allows conversations to naturally close when suitable. If you toggle to 'no', HostBuddy will always have the last response.
Conversation Closing Recommendation
Turn on conversation closing for more natural interactions. This setting lets HostBuddy finish conversations when appropriate, avoiding unnecessary responses.
AI Transparency
AI transparency is a setting that determines whether HostBuddy admits to being AI or not. If you set it to 'only if directly asked,' HostBuddy will acknowledge being AI when asked directly. If set to 'never,' HostBuddy will always strive to act as the host or a human, regardless of the situation.
Message Delay
The Message Delay setting lets HostBuddy delay responses. This helps make conversations seem more natural. By setting a minimum and maximum delay, HostBuddy will choose a random time between these two values when replying to guest queries.
Response Timing
HostBuddy will not respond if you respond first. Adding a message delay can make it easier to respond before HostBuddy in emergency situations.
Customize Tone
The Customize Tone Setting lets you adjust HostBuddy's responses. You can add instructions to guide HostBuddy's tone. This is useful if you want to change how it communicates about certain topics or adjust its overall conversation style. It's advisable to test these changes in the Test Properties section after making adjustments.
Configurations
In the top right corner of the preferences page, select the Defaults dropdown. You can add new configurations based on the time of day and property. This allows you to set preferences according to different needs for specific times or properties, varying your conversation settings accordingly.
Adjust Timing
Consider changing defer behavior depending on time of day and human coverage. This can help allow for human intervention for issues that occur during hours that you or your team might be available.