Skip to main content
GroupChat creates a conversational environment where multiple agents can interact, discuss, and collaboratively solve a problem. You can define the speaking order or let it be determined dynamically. This architecture is ideal for tasks that benefit from debate and multi-perspective reasoning, such as contract negotiation, brainstorming, or complex decision-making.

How Group Chat Works

Group Chat enables agents to have multi-turn conversations:
  1. Conversation Initialization: Starting topic or prompt is provided
  2. Turn-Based Discussion: Agents take turns speaking and responding
  3. Context Awareness: Each agent sees the full conversation history
  4. Dynamic Interaction: Agents respond to each other’s points
  5. Conversation History: Complete transcript of all exchanges is maintained

Key Characteristics

  • Conversational Flow: Natural dialogue between multiple agents
  • Shared Context: All agents see the entire conversation
  • Interactive Reasoning: Agents build on each other’s ideas
  • Flexible Ordering: Can be sequential or dynamic
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Multiple perspectives converge

Basic Example: Tech Debate

This example demonstrates a debate about AI’s societal impact:

How This Example Works

  1. Topic Introduction: “Let’s discuss the societal impact of artificial intelligence.”
  2. Turn 1 - TechOptimist: Argues benefits of AI (healthcare advances, efficiency gains)
  3. Turn 2 - TechCritic: Counters with concerns (job displacement, bias, privacy)
  4. Turn 3 - TechOptimist: Responds to criticism (reskilling programs, regulation)
  5. Turn 4 - TechCritic: Final rebuttal (systemic risks, inequality)
  6. Output: Complete conversation history with all exchanges

Conversational Collaboration

Group Chat excels at:

Multi-Perspective Reasoning

Agents consider and respond to different viewpoints, leading to more nuanced understanding.

Debate and Discussion

Contrary positions are explored through back-and-forth dialogue.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Agents build on each other’s ideas to reach better solutions.

Interactive Refinement

Ideas are tested, challenged, and improved through conversation.

Real-World Examples

Business Strategy Discussion

Multiple executives debate strategic decisions:

Design Review Session

Design team critiques and improves a concept:
Lawyers negotiate contract terms:

Medical Case Conference

Doctors discuss complex diagnosis:

Creative Brainstorming Session

Creative team generates ideas:

Speaker Selection Patterns

Sequential (Round-Robin)

Default behavior - agents speak in order:

Controlled Turn Count

Limit total conversation length:

Two-Party Debate

Simple back-and-forth:

Multi-Party Discussion

Multiple agents contribute:

Best Practices

1. Define Clear Agent Roles

2. Set Appropriate Turn Limits

  • Quick consensus (2-4 turns): Simple decisions or clarifications
  • Standard discussion (4-8 turns): Typical debates or reviews
  • Extended negotiation (8-12+ turns): Complex problem-solving or negotiations

3. Provide Rich Context

4. Balance Agent Count

  • 2 agents: Clean debates, clear dialogue
  • 3-4 agents: Rich discussion, multiple perspectives
  • 5+ agents: Can become chaotic, consider moderator

5. Use Moderators for Large Groups

Advantages of Group Chat

  1. Natural Interaction: Mimics human conversation and collaboration
  2. Diverse Perspectives: Multiple viewpoints are explored and debated
  3. Interactive Refinement: Ideas are tested and improved through dialogue
  4. Context Building: Shared conversation history ensures alignment
  5. Flexible Dynamics: Can handle debates, brainstorms, negotiations, reviews
  6. Emergent Insights: Novel ideas emerge from agent interactions

When to Use Group Chat

Ideal for:
  • Debates and Discussions: When exploring different viewpoints
  • Collaborative Decision-Making: When consensus needed among stakeholders
  • Brainstorming: When generating creative ideas through interaction
  • Negotiation: When parties need to reach agreement
  • Peer Review: When evaluating work from multiple angles
  • Complex Problem-Solving: When iterative dialogue adds value

When NOT to Use Group Chat

  • Simple Tasks: Overhead not justified for straightforward work
  • Independent Analysis: When agents shouldn’t influence each other (use ConcurrentWorkflow)
  • Linear Workflows: When clear sequence is needed (use SequentialWorkflow)
  • Hierarchical Coordination: When director needed (use HierarchicalSwarm)
  • Very Long Conversations: May lose coherence after many turns

Comparison with Other Patterns

Learn More