# Using timeout

The timeout feature in AIsuru lets you keep the conversation with a user active and engaging, even during periods of inactivity. This is especially useful for steering users toward new topics or maintaining their interest.

### How timeout works

When you set a timeout for a question, AIsuru will automatically suggest a new question to the user if they stay inactive for a certain amount of time.

{% hint style="success" %}
The timeout is chosen randomly between a customizable minimum and maximum value, to make the **interaction feel more natural and less predictable**.
{% endhint %}

### How to set a timeout

1. Go to your Agent's  **Contents** and create or edit a content;
2. Go to the "Advanced: timeout" section;
3. Set the minimum and maximum timeout values (in seconds).

For example:

* Minimum timeout: 20 seconds;
* Maximum timeout: 40 seconds.

In this case, if the user doesn't interact for between 20 and 40 seconds, the Agent will automatically suggest a new question and say: "Why don't you ask me \[random question]".

### Benefits of using timeout

* **Keeps the conversation active**: avoids long silences that might cause the user to lose interest;
* **Guides the user**: can introduce new topics or suggest new directions for the conversation;
* **Customizable**: you can set different timeouts for different questions;
* **Natural experience**: the random variation in timeout makes the interaction feel more like a real conversation.

### How to disable timeout and random questions

For some use cases, timeout might be disruptive.

In AIsuru, you can:

* Keep **timeout active for all contents** (default behavior) -> the Agent will ask random questions to the user;
* Keep **timeout active for some contents** -> the Agent will ask random questions (drawn from a specific group) to the user;
* **Disable timeout entirely** -> the Agent will no longer ask random questions, even if the user hasn't interacted for a while.

#### How to enable timeout only for certain contents

[Mark individual contents as "non-random"](/en/agent-training/contents/manual-content-creation.md#other-fields) in the content creation/editing panel, or in the document import settings. "Non-random" contents won't be suggested to the user.

#### How to suggest questions when the user is inactive

1. Go to your Agent's  **Settings**;
2. In the General section, open the  **Advanced settings** panel;
3. Enable the **"Suggest questions if the user is inactive"** toggle.

### Usage examples

Scenario: virtual tour guide

Content settings:

* Minimum timeout: 15 seconds;
* Maximum timeout: 30 seconds.

Conversation flow:

1. The Agent describes the Colosseum;
2. The user doesn't interact for 17 seconds;
3. The Agent asks a random question -> "Why don't you ask me when the Colosseum was built?".
4. The user clicks "OK" (the Agent responds) or "No thanks".

### Best practices

1. **Balance**: set timeouts that are neither too short (annoying) nor too long (loses engagement);
2. **Context**: adapt timeout durations to the context of the conversation and the complexity of the information provided;
3. **Relevance**: make sure the questions suggested after a timeout are pertinent and add value to the conversation;
4. **Flexibility**: consider setting longer timeouts for questions that require reflection or actions from the user.

Smart use of timeout can turn a simple interaction into a dynamic, engaging conversation. By experimenting with different timeout values and follow-up questions, you can create a richer, more personalized user experience — keeping users engaged and guiding them through everything your Agent has to offer.


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