Here is a conversation between Allan, an Internal Communications Specialist and Meera, a veteran Communications Consultant and Mentor. Reflect on this and share your thoughts.
A late-afternoon mentoring session at a quiet corner of a co-working space. Allan is visibly agitated as he pulls up a chair opposite Meera.
Allan: “Meera, I heard something today that completely threw me off.”
Meera: (raising an eyebrow) “Go on. Sounds serious.”
Allan: “A senior leader said, ‘If we have ChatGPT, why do we even need internal communicators?’ I mean, I get where they’re coming from, but it feels like they’re missing the bigger picture.”
Meera: (smiling knowingly) “Ah, the AI question. Let me guess. This leader sees ChatGPT as a silver bullet for all communication needs?”
Allan: “Exactly. ChatGPT can churn out decent content, but it can’t replace the nuance of what we do. It doesn’t understand context, it can’t build connections, and it definitely doesn’t coach leaders on how to communicate authentically.”
Meera: “Spot on. Tools like ChatGPT are just that – tools. They’re powerful, yes, but they lack the strategic layer that internal communicators bring. AI can generate text, but it takes a human to align that text with the organization’s tone, culture, and goals.”
Allan: “But how do I convince leaders who are with influenced with the idea of saving time and cutting costs using AI?”
Meera: “By shifting the conversation. Explain that it’s not about writing faster – it’s about writing better. Leaders need us not just for the words but for the story behind them. AI can’t help a leader craft a narrative that resonates. And it definitely can’t coach them to deliver it with conviction.”
Allan: “And then there’s the issue of authenticity. People can sniff out AI-generated content a mile away. It feels… hollow.”
Meera: “Exactly. That’s where you step in – not as a writer, but as a guide. Help leaders understand how to use tools like ChatGPT effectively. Show them how to create prompts that reflect their voice, and teach them to weave those outputs into meaningful stories. AI isn’t here to replace you, Allan. It’s here to augment your work.”
Allan: (relaxing a little) “So we’re not just communicators anymore. We’re coaches, strategists, and curators.”
Meera: “Precisely. And the leaders who understand that will be the ones whose messages truly stand out.”
As the session wraps up, a question lingers.
How can internal communicators position themselves as indispensable guides in a world increasingly reliant on AI tools like ChatGPT?
What are your views?
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