AI + Communications and Change: Ensuring Enhancement Not Replacement

Change is constant. Communication is critical. And now, AI is entering the conversation how we do both.

As someone who’s led communications through complex migrations, technology enhancements, and enterprise-wide transformations, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can be a powerful partner - but could never replace the project or communication lead.

Is this working smarter or harder?

When I first started incorporating AI - specifically agents like Gemini and Copilot - into my work, I was a bit hedgy. I didn't want to remove my humanness from my work, or even worse atrophy my own skills. I sought some advice from a fellow communicator with experience using AI.

"Treat it like a capable intern. You will have to double check everything it sends you - and don't be surprised if it just makes things up."

Later I learned this "just makes things up" is referred to as "hallucinating" in the AI industry. A known technical issue.

With this in mind, I took the approach of an intern's manager. Asking the big question, what kind of work is this realistically capable of doing? And that led me to - well, if I was working with an actual intern, I'd have a conversation with them. So that's what I did with AI.

I began by getting to know this technology. Things like, what are the best ways to use AI in communications and examples on doing it well to even asking the AI agent, what information do you need from me to do your best work.

Here's what I learned

• Start small: Use AI for drafts, not final copy.

• Stay ethical: Be transparent about AI use.

• Be curious: Experiment, learn, and find what works.

• It's not a human: Use AI to amplify not replace your voice.

Final thought

AI is here. Add it to you change and comms toolbox to help lead with clarity and confidence.