Hey there, 

Emma here 👋🏻, 

I first learned about ChatGPT from a full-stack developer. As a writer, I was far less enthusiastic than my tech friend was about these advances. 

Then a language teacher whom I really didn’t like warned the class about the mounting evils of AI. So, to be antagonistic, I began to discuss the positives. And along the way, I embraced a truth—AI is great to have. 

Indeed, as a communicator and creator of newsletters, podcasts, blogs, and countless company content, AI is a handy tool. In fact, my manager said I wouldn’t have my job if I didn’t embrace it. But it’s not all sunshine... 

I Used AI the Wrong Way (So You Don’t Have To)

There are two main groups of AI users in the workforce: those who leverage tools to complete 40 hours of work in 10 and then relax, and those who leverage tools to complete 4X the amount of work they could have. 

I prided myself on belonging to the second category. You need a copy rewrite? Done. AI just gave me 10 examples, and I cobbled them into the best output. Want a catchy headline? Done. AI provided options before I had my coffee. 

Why take careful notes, why check for spelling and grammar, why play with syntax, why sharpen my skills of revision when AI can do it for me in less time? And that gives me more time to move on to the next task! 

But here’s the thing. Letting AI take my creative work from me isn’t just efficient: it’s actually painfully, mind-numbingly boring. And it’s repetitive. So what if our goal wasn’t to maximize time saved or output? What if we had it all—preserving our brains, removing monotony, and getting shit done?

The Do’s & Don’ts of Using AI in Comms 

Here’s my best advice—use AI as a companion, but don’t let it take the joy of creativity from your work. It might take a little longer, but turning to your brain first is not only rewarding; it also provides more diverse responses.

Because let’s admit it: we all know when something is so clearly AI. And we all know that sometimes we turn to AI first, even though we are fully equipped to handle the task. So here’s how I suggest leveraging AI in comms:

• ❌ Don’t use AI to get started. If you’re a communicator, you know how to put your pen to paper. Keep your skills sharp and rely on your creativity. 
• ✅ Do use AI when in extreme writer’s block. (I know, I contradict myself. But I’m only human.) Generate ideas—but only if your brainstorm failed. 
• ❌ Don’t just use AI for your social copy. Consider if AI gave you this, it can also give the same thing to your competitors. So use results as first drafts, but always give the final product a human touch. 
• ✅ Do use AI to automate tedious work, especially if it doesn’t build skills. Need to condense a video for a quick blurb? Want a fast summary? In such cases, AI is your friend. 
• ❌ Don’t blindly trust AI search results. AI is a great starting point for generating ideas. But always check the actual source materials and form your own opinions. Remember—AI makes mistakes. It’s not perfect! 
• ✅ Do use AI to edit grammar and provide skill-sharpening. Ask what could be changed in your copy and why. Discover your weak points and strengths, and use AI tools to become an even stronger content creator. 

Don’t get me wrong—AI advancements are wonderful for communicators. And I probably use AI tools to some capacity every day. But they will never replace my mind. Want to use AI the right way as a communicator? This issue of YGC provides sources on how we can embrace AI in coms.

Here’s to efficiency and creativity! 

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Emma Fischer,
Content Marketing Manager