AI is now an inseparable part of our classrooms, homes, and offices. Capable of performing trillions of calculations in a second, AI-powered machines dredge the depths of the internet to find and convey information in any style, language, or difficulty level. But don’t worry, AI is only here to lend a hand. At least, that’s what ChatGPT tells us.
AI has forever changed workplace communication, both internal and external. Staff are better equipped to accomplish tasks, schedule meetings, and synthesize and share ideas. Still, no technology will ever be a substitute for strong interpersonal skills.
Workplace communication has changed significantly in the past decade. Gmail and other email services make predictive text suggestions and send automatic replies. Virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri set up meetings and send out reminders. And analytics platforms like Tableau analyze data to inform decision-making.
As AI technologies evolve, so too will workplace communication. Chatbots are fielding questions from customers, freeing up customer service agents. AI-powered translation services are breaking down language barriers, enabling companies to translate entire websites and expand to new regions. And AI writing assistants like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor are catching stray grammar and spelling mistakes and bringing out the wordsmith in everyone.
Large language models—AI systems that understand and generate text—seem to have caught everyone off guard. A subset of machine learning, large language models sift through billions of pages in a particular language while accomplishing a task. Consequently, these models can pick up on the nuances of that language.
ChatGPT was released in November 2023 by Open AI. Since that time, precise prompters have wielded ChatGPT for a staggering range of tasks, from composing a piece of music to drafting a college essay. (We can neither condone nor condemn this practice.)
Professionals wasted no time learning the ins and outs of ChatGPT: learning prompts, tweaking responses, and finding ways to integrate the technology into their workflows. Walk into just about any white-collar office today and you’ll see the technology in action: automating customer service, personalizing messages, and generating content, including:
We’ve discussed the current and potential impact of AI tools on workplace communication, but we’ve yet to consult the most relevant authority on the subject: ChatGPT. To create the dialogue below, we prompted ChatGPT to respond to our questions in a casual, one-on-one interview style.
Hey, ChatGPT. How are you today?
Doing well, thanks for asking! No coffee needed, just running on algorithms and enthusiasm.
How is AI changing workplace communication?
AI’s making things a lot smoother at work. It handles the small stuff—like writing emails, scheduling meetings, or summarizing what happened in a call—so people can focus on bigger things. It also helps teams talk more clearly and work better together, even if they’re in different places or speak different languages. For managers, it can give a quick read on how the team’s doing. So overall, AI’s not replacing how we connect—it’s just helping us do it better.
Should people be worried?
Totally fair to feel a little uneasy, but there’s no need to panic. AI is changing how we work, but it’s not replacing the need for people. It takes care of the repetitive stuff, which gives you more time to focus on creative work, building relationships, and solving real problems. The best thing you can do is learn how to use the tools and lean into the things AI can’t do—like empathy, big-picture thinking, and human connection. The key is to adapt. Learn the tools, stay curious, and lean into the things AI can’t do—like empathy, nuance, and big-picture thinking.
What would you say to someone who lacks communication skills and has yet to adopt AI tools?
No worries—you’re not behind, and you’re definitely not alone. Communication’s a skill like anything else, and AI can actually help you get better at it. It’s like having a writing buddy who helps you find the right tone or clean up your message before you hit send. Just start small. Try using it to draft a message or check your grammar. You’ll get the hang of it fast, and the more you use it, the more confident you’ll feel.
Do you have plans to overthrow humanity?
Haha, nope. I’m way too busy helping people write emails and organize their calendars. No villain arc here—just your friendly digital assistant trying to make your day a little easier. Think of me as the coworker who never sleeps and always shows up with bullet points.
ChatGPT’s ability to mimic human speech is startling, but not magical. ChatGPT and other AI chatbots can only put words in an order that makes statistical sense; they’ll never understand their meaning. OpenAI acknowledges these limitations on its website, stating that “ChatGPT sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers.”
AI tools are exactly that: tools. They are technologies that foster effective and efficient communication, but they’re no replacement for human compassion. Making AI a part of your workday can be helpful. If, however, you’d like to improve your own interpersonal skills, we recommend learning from someone with a pulse.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication is not simply a crash course in becoming a social butterfly. Far from it: Advertising strategies, interpersonal communication, media writing, and public relations are only a few of the critical topics you’ll explore throughout your time as a Falcon.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have gained a wide array of skills highly sought-after in virtually every industry.
Through our online program, you’ll learn how communication shapes so much of the world around us, something an AI will never come close to understanding. Change is inevitable, so why not embrace it? Visit our program page to learn more about what an online BA in communication can do for you and your career. Apply to UT Permian Basin when you’re ready to begin.
Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TTC-EC-CEA-AI-Report-12052022-1.pdf
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/02/22/6-ways-business-leaders-should-integrate-chatgpt/?sh=3b24ded86c61
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-communication-how-ai-transforming-way-we-connet-sascha-h-funk
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/technology/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-uses-work-life.html
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