> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://app.simcare.ai/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Talking to the avatar > Once your session starts, you're face-to-face with the AI client. Here is how to navigate the conversation effectively. Once your session starts, you're face-to-face with the AI client. Here's how to navigate the conversation effectively. ## Unmute yourself Before anything else, make sure your **mic is unmuted**. The client can't hear you until you do. **No submit button** Just talk naturally. SimCare listens and knows when you're done speaking. Natural conversation without submit button **Your mic is locked while the avatar gives its opening line.** This prevents you from talking over the greeting. Once the avatar finishes, your mic unlocks automatically and you can begin. ## In-session controls The bottom of the session window has three groups of controls: | Control | What it does | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Microphone** | Mute and unmute yourself. Spinner shows while the AI is connecting. | | **Camera** | Turn your video on or off. Optional. | | **Captions** | Show live captions of the conversation on screen. | | **Keyboard / text mode** | Type your messages instead of speaking. | | **End Call** | Finish the session and generate feedback. | ### Captions Click the captions icon to toggle live on-screen captions of what you and the client say. This is useful for noisy environments or accessibility. Toggle it off the same way. ### Text mode If you can't use your mic — or prefer typing — click the keyboard icon to switch to **text mode**. A "Type your message..." input appears, and your typed message is sent to the client when you press Send. Switch back to voice at any time. You can enable captions and text mode by default from your **Accessibility preferences** in your account settings. ## Building rapport The better you connect, the more the client opens up. To get the best results: * **Ask real questions** rather than following a script * **Show empathy** in your voice and word choice * **Respond naturally**, just like you would in a real session * **Interrupt naturally** — you can speak over the client like in a real conversation The client reacts based on how you engage. If you seem distracted or uninterested, they'll pick up on that. ## Non-verbal cues matter If your camera is on, SimCare tracks your non-verbal behavior just as a real client would perceive it: * **Eye contact** — are you looking at the patient? * **Facial engagement** — are you nodding or reacting? * **Distractions** — are you looking away or multitasking? All of this shapes how the client responds to you. ## Tone & voice Your tone matters immensely. * Sounding **bored or flat** may cause the client to shut down * **Warmth and energy** encourage more depth and cooperation ## Group cases Some cases include more than one client (family, couples, support groups). In group cases you may see multiple avatars on screen. The conversation flows in one of two modes: * **Orchestrated** — the AI decides who speaks next based on what you said * **Competitive** — multiple clients may want to respond; press **Tab** after you speak to hand off the turn ## Watch the relationship evolve Sessions aren't static. As you build trust, the client may: * Open up more about sensitive topics * Reveal new insights * Change how they respond to your questions **Keep an eye on how the relationship develops — it's part of the learning.**