The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily business operations, particularly for communicators, is gaining significant momentum as firms seek to leverage emerging technologies for improved efficiency and effectiveness. Reports indicate that AI is not just beneficial for crafting prompts; it also plays a pivotal role in summarising meeting transcripts and revealing deeper narratives within communication strategies.
In a conversation with Chris Gee, founder and CEO of Chris Gee Consulting, insights were gleaned regarding the transformative impact of AI on content creation and communication practices. Speaking to PR Daily, Gee described AI as a central element of his business operations, particularly in conducting workshops that encourage the adoption and implementation of AI tools. “While ‘consulting’ is in the name, a significant portion of my offerings focuses on equipping teams with practical AI skills and strategies tailored to their communication needs,” Gee stated.
Gee's journey with AI began with the use of generative AI to enhance the efficiency of slide deck production. He noted that the tasks often involved repetitive content, requiring frequent alterations—condensing vast amounts of information or expanding upon existing material. By training AI on previously used slide content, he managed to reduce the time dedicated to slide creation by fifty percent, leading to what he described as an efficiency boost that felt almost like “cheating.”
Despite these advances, Gee highlighted the necessity for discussions around bias in AI systems, asserting that this topic is often overlooked in favour of privacy and data integrity issues. “Mitigating bias is equally critical and often overlooked. This is especially pressing as more companies develop private, on-premise AI models,” he emphasised, explaining that his workshops include training on identifying and addressing potential biases in AI-driven systems.
Gee's own education on AI tools was self-directed, commencing in late 2023 when popular platforms like ChatGPT and Midjourney rose to prominence. He reported that trial and error, along with engagement in online communities, facilitated his understanding of the technology.
The operational shifts brought about by AI have resulted in a profound change in workflow and client satisfaction within Gee’s consultancy. He noted, “AI has automated many routine tasks, freeing up my time to focus on high-impact work,” which allows him to prioritise value-driven activities over mundane tasks. The efficiency afforded by AI has not only enhanced the quality and speed of deliverables but has also alleviated tendencies towards procrastination that often accompany tedious tasks.
Looking to the future, Gee made a cautious prediction regarding the evolution of AI in communications. He refrained from making explicit forecasts but acknowledged the potential for communicators to significantly reconceptualise the perception of their work. “If used effectively, AI will enable us to optimise messaging and provide clearer insights into how our efforts drive organisational goals,” he explained. He envisions that over the next few years, communicators could redefine their strategic importance within corporate structures.
For those interested in delving deeper into the implications of AI within communications, Ragan’s AI Horizons Conference is set to take place in February 2025 in Miami, offering further insights into this evolving field. The discussion surrounding AI's role in business continues to unfold, with experts like Chris Gee leading the charge towards embracing and maximising its potential.
Source: Noah Wire Services