Conversational user interfaces (CUI) are platforms that support conversations similar to real human conversations. They help humans to talk to a system using their natural language rather than using a new programming language or a domain-specific language (DSL). Smart appliances, such as TVs, smart speakers, and smart chatbots, that can understand and interpret natural language are examples of conversational interfaces.

Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant that lives on the cloud. Alexa can listen to our requests and provide voice responses or take actions, such as switching on a smart bulb. Amazon ships Alexa along with its Echo devices, but Alexa can be used with other devices as well, making use of its APIs. You can extend the default Alexa functionality by creating your own Alexa skills. 

In this recipe, we will create a simple Alexa skill that will introduce a person. This is a very basic skill, but it can still be useful for any events you might be hosting at work or even outside. We can use an Echo device to interact with Alexa through our Alexa skill. To demonstrate the Alexa skill, you can use any Alexa-enabled device, and for learning and testing purposes you can also use a simulator, such as echosim.io.