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Aug. 27, 2024
157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us
Advancing technology can be used to raise our own standards of communication.
Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place.
Altman is a professor of bioengineering, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything. According to him, advancing technology isn’t a threat to human creativity and connection, but a tool we can use to raise our own standards for communication.
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT-type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Do I have a message?” he says. “If those things are true, it shouldn't be a problem. It should actually amplify and improve your message.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and host Matt Abrahams explore how effective communication can help us envision, articulate, and navigate towards our desired future, in our relationships, in our work, and in society.
Episode Reference Links:
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Stanford Profile: Russ B. Altman
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The Future of Everything Podcast | Stanford University School of Engineering
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Ep.109 Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively Website / YouTube
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Ep.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible Website / YouTube
Connect:
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Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
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Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
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Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
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Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube
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Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Russ Altman, professor of bioengineering at Stanford University and host of The Future of Everything podcast.
(00:01:00) The Future of Communication and AI
How AI can challenge and improve communication by bringing hidden biases to light.
(00:03:06) Practical Uses of AI in Communication
Using AI to improve clarity and focus in professional communications.
(00:04:08) Writing Effective Proposals and Grants
Crafting effective proposals by aligning with audience needs and clearly defining objectives.
(00:06:07) Simplifying Complex Information
Making complex information understandable without oversimplification.
(00:08:31) Preparation in Communication
How preparing for tough questions can improve clarity and engagement in presentations.
(00:10:13) The Art of Asking Questions
Crafting and following up with thoughtful questions to foster deeper conversations.
(00:13:13) Building Effective and Diverse Teams
Building effective teams through diversity, clear roles, and strong relationships.
(00:15:12) Balancing Rigor and Support
The balance between challenging team members and maintaining a supportive environment.
(00:17:13) Lessons from ‘The Future of Everything’
The importance of passion in pursuing meaningful work and communicating complex ideas.
(00:18:09) The Final Three Questions
Russ shares what he’s excited about for the future, a communicator he admires, and the first three ingredients for successful communication.
(00:21:30) Conclusion
Russ Altman
Professor of Bioengineering, of Genetics, of Medicine, of Biomedical Data Science
Russ Biagio Altman is the Kenneth Fong Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, Medicine, Biomedical Data Science and (by courtesy) Computer Science) and past chairman of the Bioengineering Department at Stanford University. His primary research interests are in the application of computing (AI, data science and informatics) to problems relevant to medicine. He is particularly interested in methods for understanding drug action at molecular, cellular, organism and population levels. His lab studies how human genetic variation impacts drug response (e.g., http://www.pharmgkb.org/). Other work focuses on the analysis of biological molecules to understand the actions, interactions and adverse events of drugs (e.g., http://helix.stanford.edu/). He helps lead an FDA-supported Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science & Innovation.