Save Time and Energy with Artificial Intelligence Tools and Message Management

Artificial Intelligence is Nothing to Fear 

Computer-generated intelligence strikes fear in the hearts of many communicators. A large percentage don’t trust AI technology and are unsure what to make of it. Some worry about plagiarism and have ethical concerns, while others fear it could replace jobs. The fear of becoming obsolete, or FOBO, is real, but mostly overblown. 

Golden Valley Electric Association Director of External Affairs and Public Relations Meadow Bailey pulled back the curtain on AI storytelling, showing how communicators can use the tools. 

AI is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it is cause to celebrate and should be embraced as a tool to make our jobs easier and mine creative veins that might not be realized otherwise. 

AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Fotor and others, are great ways to generate ideas, create outlines, draft concepts and generate graphic design options. You can create in seconds content that would take hours for communications teams to create normally. But the tools are not here to replace you.  

AI platforms are only as good as the prompts we provide. And even then, the content still needs to be fact checked, proofed and edited for style and quality. 

AI is not the monster under the bed it is made out to be. It still needs a human touch to get the desired output, and even then it still needs to be proofed for accuracy and edited for style and content. However, used correctly, it can be an effective assistant to help us tell our stories. 

Manage Message Delivery 

The psychology of communication is complicated, and everyone communicates differently. Some prefer to text or email. Others would rather speak on the phone or meet face-to-face. Some people are direct and get straight to the point. Others meander a moment before they hit their primary talking points. By understanding this, and learning to decipher your audience’s preferred communication method and style, you can boost the efficiency of your interactions. 

Pioneer sponsored the keynote session, The Science of Communication. Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. Consultant Geni Whitehouse explained the needs of different audiences and tools for reaching everyone with your story. 

Sometimes the preferred communication method is generational. Oder generations typically prefer a more personal approach, like a phone call or a face-to-face encounter, while younger generations are more apt to communicate quickly via text or email. But sometimes communicating is more complicated. 

Effective communication styles can vary depending on the purpose of the message and what a communicator wants from the audience. Sometimes it is built on reciprocity or building trust, while other times a message is best served when the communicator imparts likability or if the message comes from a place of authority. And sometimes a message is best received by a group that feels connected or united by a singular cause.  

The bottom line is different people communicate differently, and messages require specific deliveries. By learning how to recognize your target audience’s preferred communication method and style, and understanding how your message is best delivered, you can become a more effective communicator and get the most from your message. 

Podcasts are Powerful 

While you really have to attend the NIC to soak in all of the great ideas, we were excited that the American Public Power Association recorded the podcasting panel. The panel featured insights from Turlock Irrigation District Communications Specialist Brandon McMillan, Alaska Power Association Deputy Director Michael Rovito and Snohomish County PUD Public Relations & Media Liaison Kellie Stickney. You can listen to the hour-long conversation on Spotify.  

Thinking about starting a podcast? Get Pioneer’s free guide, “How to Stream Stories with Podcasts,” for peer insights from a dozen new and longtime podcasting Utility Pioneers across the nation. 

Get your free podcast guide: