AI (artificial intelligence) is big news these days, and the latest innovation to hit the mainstream market is an AI text generator called ChatGPT.
Launched in November of 2022 and currently in beta testing by over 1 million users, ChatGPT is a language model that interacts conversationally to “answer follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.”
You can use this experimental chatbot to create a basic press release, outline a marketing plan, draft an email, or troubleshoot customer concerns—all in only a few seconds.
The implications of AI writing are wild and far-reaching, with the potential to radically revolutionize the way we communicate. Naysayers are calling it a parlor trick; businesses are calling it a game-changer.
As AI language technology becomes more sophisticated, now is a great time to get ahead of the curve, create a ChatGPT account, and learn to leverage the power of this innovative technology as part of your communications strategy.
How to Use ChatGPT to Better Your Business
AI technology can’t (currently) replace professional public relations or client communications specialists, so no one’s job is on the line—at least not yet. But the workforce of the future will absolutely embrace AI as a meaningful tool for everything from tech support to marketing to research.
Even now, the technology acts as a powerful search engine. When I asked, “What’s the best way to treat a sinus infection?” ChatGPT instantaneously scoured the internet for relevant information and generated a pretty impressive response.
The pros and cons of AI communication
Before adopting ChatGPT as part of your communications strategy, you should understand the pros and cons of AI engagement.
For example, the press release I generated with ChatGPT was rather good—but it wasn’t 100% “right.” AI can only regurgitate what it has learned, meaning ChatGPT lacks the ability to generate wholly new ideas, nuanced communication, or that mysterious “human touch” factor.
ChatGPT is best used to create a framework that actual humans can build upon. Your business could begin using ChatGPT to:
- Perform initial research
- Obtain an outline for a document or article
- Quickly tap into the latest news and ideas
With a framework in place, you can review AI-generated content for errors, apply your brand voice and tone, and build out concepts with your own unique perspective.
In my PR consulting work, I see huge potential to harness the power of ChatGPT to conduct market research, draft a press release, or emerge current insights about topics relevant to my clients. Will it take the place of original thought and the human touch? Probably not in the near term.
A few weeks ago, I happened to catch a classic movie from 1957 called Desk Set, starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The premise was eerily similar to what we’re experiencing with ChatGPT.
Tracy plays an efficiency expert/consultant pushing the latest invention from IBM to TV executives: a computer that can research any topic in seconds. Hepburn plays the plucky Bunny Watson, head of research for the television network. She and her whip-smart colleagues can quote bible verses, poetry, geographic data—you name it.
I don’t want to spoil the ending, but suffice it to say that while machine intelligence can make work easier, there’s no substitution for the human mind and spirit.
Don’t you think it’s time to learn more about how to prepare your business for an AI-filled future?
Let’s chat about the opportunities today’s innovative technologies offer to enhance your company’s communications strategy.
