AI and writing is top of mind in the policy world
There can be no doubting that AI is impacting how we are working in policy and public affairs. Sitting behind our desks, we are part of ‘neck-up’ business: monitoring, analysing, processing and reporting. Our ability to edit, dust and polish our writing is a key skill for all in public affairs which is why writing skills has always been our most popular offer. You would think it was all over for training in writing skills but not a bit of it. However, what we cover is now very different to even last year. The most relevant AI prompts for drafting – which is easy peasy. But also, you have more time for thinking critically about your readers and what messaging we want to get across in the most condensed way possible.
AI policies coming to a company near you
My clients are all framing their own company policies around the use of AI. In general, use it but don’t send our clients generated content is the gist of it. Revise it, make sure it is reads like you – your clients know how you speak – they see you on Teams every week.
All good advice but why then is there so much obviously bad AI writing flying around especially on LinkedIn? The ‘M’-dash is an obvious a giveaway, Just as the 6 bullet points divided into 3 ticks, 3 crosses and then thumbs up emoji at the end.
Not Kinky boots, but lazy boots
Clunky AI writing has an overly predictable structure – humans are not as straightforward as that. Our expressiveness, how we articulate ideas is not as robotic. Over use of generalisations and passive declarations. Moreover, added to this, infact, in addition there are far too many linking words. And (moreover!!) there is a lack personal voice and reference to previous interactions, a nod to prior knowledge.
What should you avoid and how?
So, what to avoid – well, all of the above. But also, think of your Copilot as a useful but naïve assistant who can help you draw useful ideas. But don’t let it phrase your final version.
This is what we are now teaching and our communications courses now include this analytical skills, critical thinking and articulating your voice in written form. All good for the brainbox too. We do our best thinking when we are writing.
NB: By the way, AI was not used to write any part of this latest production! The image is courtesy of Copilot though.
Contact us at Formative Communications info@formativecoms.com for more details of our communications training.
