
Configure an action inside a Speak node
How mid-call actions change the flow
Without actions: caller responds -> variables extract -> outcomes evaluate -> next node. With actions: the node auto-proceeds without waiting for another caller reply.- Agent speaks (Message or Prompt).
- Action(s) run mid-call (interruptions disabled by default).
- Variables update from action results.
- Outcomes evaluate (rule-based outcomes recommended).
- Next node executes.
Because the caller does not speak before outcomes fire, use rule-based outcomes that check action results (for example
lookup_found == true, action_status == "ok"). Prompt-based outcomes do not automatically βseeβ internal values unless you surface them in the spoken conversation.Recommended patterns
1) Lookup -> Branch
Goal: Route based on CRM or API results.- Action: CRM or webhook lookup using key fields (phone, email, account ID).
- Variables:
lookup_found(boolean),customer_id(text). - Outcomes (rule-based):
lookup_found == true-> enriched path (use variables likefirst_name).lookup_found == false-> collect details before moving on.
2) Validate -> Retry loop
Goal: Ensure a required field is valid before proceeding.- Action: Validator or API check (for example email verification).
- Variables:
email,email_valid(boolean). - Outcomes (rule-based):
email_valid == true-> next step.- Else -> self-loop to the node asking for email again (limit retries). See Outcomes -> Loops.
3) Book -> Confirm
Goal: Schedule an appointment during the call.- Action: Scheduler integration (calendar, booking tool).
- Variables:
timeslot_chosen,booking_status. - Outcomes (rule-based):
Booking and confirmation flow
Authoring tips
- Interruptions: Stay disabled by default for mid-call actions to prevent the caller from breaking the integration flow. If you enable interruptions, plan for partial inputs.
- Speak node choice: Use Message mode for fixed pre/post phrases. Use Prompt mode when the agent must compose dynamic summaries from action results.
- Lean payloads: Send only the variables you need. Clear, minimal fields reduce errors.
- Preface long actions: Add a short line like βOne moment while I check thatβ before triggering an action to set caller expectations.
- Structured outputs: Set predictable fields (such as
action_status = "ok"or"error") to simplify rule checks.
Error handling and resilience
Design outcomes for real-world hiccups:- Happy path:
action_status == "ok"will proceed. - Recoverable:
action_status == "error"will retry - Fallback: persistent failure -> transfer to a human or offer a call-back.
- Timeouts: if an action exceeds your expected SLA, branch to a graceful message and continue.

Error-handling pattern
- Use Uninterrupted message for pre-action instructions so the agent is not cut off mid-sentence.
- For actions that take several seconds, add a short progress update after a couple of seconds to reduce perceived wait time.
Data flow and variables
- Action outputs can set or update Variables such as
customer_id,plan, orlookup_found. - These values are immediately available to rule-based outcomes in the same node.
- If you need AI to summarize results, surface key values verbally in a Prompt speak node after the action completes.
Setup checklist (quick start)
- Open a Speak node
- Click Add action and choose an integration
- Configure fields (URL, method, headers, body)
- Map your Variables to action inputs
- Add rule-based Outcomes that check action results
- Test the flow using Test Agent
- Review action logs and outputs
- Verify error handling branches are in place
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on prompt-based outcomes immediately after actions; they cannot see internal flags unless you speak them.
- Skipping error branches or default outcomes, which can stall the flow.
- Forgetting to cap retries or offer a human hand-off.
- Fetching more data than you need.
- Re-enabling interruptions and losing action results mid-flow.
See also
- Speak nodes - where actions live.
- Variables - read and write values used by actions and rules.
- Outcomes - build deterministic branches after actions.
- Transfer node - escalate on errors or high intent.