APPEAL to AI partners using the right analog stick. Of course, just like real people, they have their own personalities and they may not always be willing to follow orders.

One piece of advice is to wait a few moments before addressing them again if they ignore repeated requests. They could aso be simply be out of earshot. Make sure they are close enough to hear you clearly.

Normally, nearby partners will act on orders given. Use the APPEAL shift function (hold the L2 button while using the right analog stick) to call out characters' names and address order to them specifically.