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We’ve been writing about AI and its use in marketing. In listening to last week’s edition of the New York Times Hard Fork podcast, we learned about the AI tools political campaigns are using to market candidates. Here’s a summary of what we heard.

Imagine getting a call from a political candidate, but instead of hearing their real voice, you’re listening to an AI-generated version of it. This is the world of AI voice technology—a fascinating and sometimes controversial tool. But what exactly is AI voice, how does it work, and why does it matter? And why do so few campaigns this election season seem to be experimenting with A.I.? Let’s dive into the details.

What is AI Voice?

AI voice refers to synthetic speech generated by artificial intelligence. This technology can create realistic human voices from text, making it possible for machines to “speak” in a way that sounds almost indistinguishable from a real person. This is done through a process called text-to-speech (TTS), where AI models, trained on vast amounts of data, generate speech patterns, intonations, and even emotional nuances.

The technology has advanced to the point where it can mimic specific voices. With just a short sample of someone’s speech, AI can create a clone of their voice, which can then be used to generate new audio content. This opens up a world of possibilities—and concerns.

How AI Voice is Being Used

AI voice technology is being utilized across various industries, but its use in political campaigns is particularly interesting. Here’s how it’s being leveraged:

1. Robocalls: Campaigns can use AI-generated voices to make automated calls to voters. These calls can deliver messages, answer questions, and even engage in basic conversation. This is done at a fraction of the cost of hiring live callers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campaigns.
2. Language Translation: AI voice can be used to create messages in multiple languages, even if the candidate doesn’t speak those languages. For instance, a candidate could “speak” to their constituents in Spanish, Mandarin, or any other language, expanding their reach and appeal.
3. Personalization: AI can tailor messages to individual voters, addressing them by name and discussing issues that are important to them. This level of personalization could make voters feel more connected to the candidate, potentially increasing engagement.
4. Efficiency: AI voice can handle a massive volume of calls or messages in a short period. It can generate thousands of calls in minutes, allowing campaigns to reach more voters more quickly than ever before.

Why This Technology Matters

During campaign season, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with voters is crucial. AI voice offers a powerful tool to do just that, but it also raises important questions about authenticity and trust.

A few of the pros of AI voice technology include:

• Cost-Effective: It’s cheaper than employing human staff to make calls or deliver messages.
• Scalability: It can reach a large number of people in a very short time.
• Language Accessibility: It allows candidates to communicate with non-English-speaking voters in their own language.
• Consistency: It ensures that messages stay on script and are delivered without errors.

However, there are significant cons to consider:

• Lack of Authenticity: Voters value authenticity in their candidates. Knowing that they are hearing a synthetic voice might turn people off, as it can feel impersonal and deceptive.
• Potential for Misinformation: AI voice could be used to spread false information, either deliberately or accidentally, if the technology is misused or if the generated content isn’t carefully monitored.
• Skepticism: There’s a general wariness about AI in politics, with many people feeling uncomfortable about the idea of candidates using technology to communicate instead of their real voices.

As Sheera Frenkel discussed in a recent episode of the New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast, the issue of authenticity is a major concern. “I was surprised by how many campaigns say that the top guiding word they have, in terms of their strategy, in terms of how they conceive of campaigns, is authenticity,” she noted. Frenkel also highlighted that this authenticity issue might be the biggest hurdle for AI voice technology in political campaigns: “AI being the epitome of a new technology from Silicon Valley that people think is inauthentic…I think that’s really the beginning and end of it.”

Why So Few Campaigns Are Experimenting with AI Voice

Despite the potential benefits, AI voice technology hasn’t seen widespread adoption in the current election cycle. As highlighted in the Hard Fork podcast, many campaigns are hesitant to experiment with AI-driven tools due to concerns about authenticity and voter perception.

Numerous AI products have been pitched to campaigns, but they have largely been turned down. For example, campaigns have declined AI-generated endorsements from long-dead historical figures and even a synthetic version of Donald Trump for practice debates. The reluctance to use such tools stems from a fear that voters might see them as inauthentic or deceptive, which could backfire.

Because of these concerns, AI voice isn’t expected to be used much in campaigns this election season. The fear of alienating voters by appearing too tech-driven or impersonal has kept many campaigns from fully embracing this technology.

The Impact on Campaigns

As the 2024 election season heats up, the use of AI voice technology is likely to remain limited. While it has the potential to change how campaigns operate, candidates who use AI voice effectively could gain a competitive edge, but they also risk alienating voters who value personal, authentic communication.

In the end, the key will be finding the right balance between innovation and authenticity. As AI voice technology continues to evolve, so too will the strategies campaigns use to connect with voters. The challenge will be ensuring that, in the quest for efficiency, the human element isn’t lost.

To learn more about our services, contact us at collin@canrightcommunications.com.

We all know the world of professional writing, especially in marketing and PR, is always changing. We’re constantly on the hunt for tools to boost our efficiency and creativity. Enter GenAI, which include services like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, ChatSonic, and Microsoft CoPilot. These AI-powered assistants are causing quite a stir. Some people worry they might take their jobs, while others see them as near-free copywriters working autonomously. The truth? At Canright, we’ve found that these GenAI tools are best as supportive assistants, enhancing your work rather than replacing you. Here’s how you can make the most of them.

Research Help

Research can be a huge time-suck. GenAI tools can speed things up by quickly gathering and summarizing info from various sources. Whether you need the latest trends in social media marketing or statistics on consumer behavior, these tools provide concise summaries, letting you focus on crafting compelling stories.

Outlining and Brainstorming

Staring at a blank page can be daunting. GenAI tools can help by generating ideas based on prompts, sparking new angles and perspectives you might not have considered. They can also help outline your content, giving you a structured framework to build on with your unique voice and insights.

Drafting and Editing Support

GenAI tools aren’t here to replace your unique voice, but they can assist in drafting content. They’re great for generating introductory paragraphs or suggesting transitions. Plus, they can help with editing by spotting grammatical errors, suggesting alternative phrasings, and keeping your content consistent in tone.

Idea Validation and Feedback

Quick feedback is a game-changer in marketing and PR. GenAI tools can act as a sounding board, giving immediate responses and suggesting improvements. This is super useful when you’re on tight deadlines, allowing you to refine your concepts before presenting them to clients or stakeholders.

Multilingual Capabilities

For those working in global markets, GenAI tools’ multilingual skills are a big plus. They can help translate content into different languages, ensuring your message hits home with diverse audiences. This can save you time and resources on translations and localizations.

Staying Updated

In the ever-changing world of marketing and PR, staying on top of trends, news, and industry standards is crucial. GenAI tools can help by summarizing recent developments and providing insights into emerging trends, keeping your content relevant and informed.

Embracing GenAI Tools as Assistants, Not Replacements

Remember, GenAI tools are here to assist, not substitute for the creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence you bring to the table. The magic of writing lies in the human ability to weave stories, evoke emotions, and connect with audiences on a personal level. These tools shine when they support these abilities, making you more efficient and freeing you up to focus on what you do best – crafting meaningful and impactful content.

• Human Touch: Writing is about connecting with readers and telling stories that resonate. These are inherently human traits that AI can’t replicate. Your unique experiences, perspectives, and creativity are crucial for authentic and engaging content.
• Collaboration, Not Replacement: Think of GenAI tools as collaborative partners. They can handle the groundwork, like research and initial drafting, allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks. This synergy makes your workflow more efficient, letting you dedicate time and energy to refining your content.
• Continuous Learning: GenAI tools are also tools for learning. Use them to explore different writing styles, experiment with new approaches, and get feedback on your work. This ongoing interaction with AI can lead to professional growth and the development of new skills.

Crafting Effective Prompts: The Writer’s Eye

To get the best results from GenAI tools, your expertise is crucial, especially when crafting prompts. The quality of their output heavily depends on the clarity of your input. Here are some tips:

• Be Specific: Specific prompts yield better results. Instead of asking, “What are the latest marketing trends?” try “What are the latest digital marketing trends in social media for 2024?”
• Provide Context: Give the GenAI tool the scope and tone of your request. When drafting an article, include details about the target audience, the desired tone, and the main points you want to cover.
• Iterative Process: Use an iterative approach to refine the output. Start with a broad prompt and then narrow it down based on the initial responses.
• Use Follow-up Questions: Engage in a back-and-forth dialogue. If the tool provides a summary, ask follow-up questions like, “Can you expand on the benefits of using biodegradable materials in packaging?”
• Edit and Personalize: Always review and edit AI-generated content. Add your insights, adjust to fit your narrative, and don’t let the AI dictate the overall flow.
• Fact-Checking and Avoiding Hallucinations: Fact-check any information provided by GenAI tools. Verify facts from reliable sources before including them in your final content to maintain credibility and ensure accuracy.

By embracing GenAI tools as valuable assistants, you can boost your productivity and creativity, delivering higher-quality work. The key is to understand their strengths and limitations and use them to complement your abilities, not overshadow them.

To learn more about our services, contact us at collin@canrightcommunications.com.

Where social media platforms serve as the primary arenas for discourse and debate, navigating the echo chamber has become a formidable challenge for thought leaders. To succeed, thought leaders and industry experts have to find creative ways to break through the echo chamber to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change. 

Most communication professionals agree that it’s crucial to recognize the importance of authenticity, engagement, and innovation in standing out amidst the noise.

Understanding the Echo Chamber

The echo chamber phenomenon is characterized by the tendency of individuals to seek out and engage with information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs while disregarding or dismissing contradictory viewpoints. As social media algorithms prioritize content based on audience preferences and past interactions, readers are often exposed to a narrow range of perspectives,  creating an environment that reinforces existing biases and stifles diverse perspectives. 

Fortunately, there are a few strategies thought leaders and industry experts can tap into.

Strategies for Thought Leaders

• Embrace Authenticity: In a digital landscape dominated by curated content and polished personas, authenticity is key. Thought leaders must strive to be real people with real opinions that represent their beliefs and values, sharing genuine insights and experiences that resonate with their audience.

• Diversify Your Content: To combat the echo chamber effect, thought leaders should diversify their content and engage with a wide range of perspectives. By sharing content that challenges assumptions and sparks dialogue, thought leaders can foster a more inclusive and dynamic online community.

• Foster Meaningful Connections: Thought leaders should prioritize building meaningful connections with their audience, rather than focusing solely on metrics like likes and shares. By actively engaging with followers, responding to comments, and participating in discussions, thought leaders can create a sense of community and trust.

• Lead by Example: Thought leaders have the power to shape the narrative and influence the discourse on social media. By leading by example and promoting civility, respect, and open-mindedness, thought leaders can set the tone for constructive dialogue and bridge divides within the echo chamber.

The Canright Approach 

At Canright Communications, we understand the power of genuine content. That’s why we’ve taken a more personal approach to our calendar emails, ditching generic photos for original images. By infusing our updates with our love of photography, we aim to foster a stronger connection with our audience and add a human touch to our communications.

For example, we’re working on a social media project for Christina Canright’s new coaching business. One of the main goals is to boost her brand awareness. As a coach, Christina wanted to avoid overtly selling her services on social media. Instead, she opted to weave inspirational quotes with personal anecdotes. By sharing stories about why each quote resonates with her, Christina is finding a genuine connection with her audience.

When it comes to thought leadership, we prioritize substance over generic content aimed at just getting clicks and likes. Rather than tailoring our content for popularity, we focus on delivering valuable insights derived from real-world experiences. Our thought leadership pieces stem from the genuine work we’ve done with clients, offering practical solutions to complex challenges.

Breaking out of the echo chamber requires thought leaders to embrace authenticity, creativity, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. By sharing personal stories, infusing content with personality, and prioritizing substance over so-called vanity metrics, we can break through the noise and create meaningful connections in the age of social media.

To learn more about our services, contact us at collin@canrightcommunications.com.