Journal of Business and Technical Communication Jan 2025

Inhuman Rhetoric: Generative AI and Crisis Communication

Erick Piller Nicholls State University

Abstract

This article considers the rhetorical risks of using generative AI to compose organizational communication during crises or in the aftermath of tragedies. It focuses on a case study in which representatives of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development disclosed their use of ChatGPT to write a response to a school shooting at another university. The author argues that although generative AI can often be useful in technical and professional communication, it can also undermine perceptions of “rhetorical humanity” if its use is disclosed or discovered, making it rhetorically risky in certain contexts. Thus, knowing when not to utilize AI is an important aspect of AI literacy for practitioners.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
10.1177/10506519241280594
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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Citation context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Liu et al. (2026)
    Mapping AI Literacy Expectations in Technical and Professional Communication: E…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. Mallette et al. (2026)
    Preparing to Edit Ethically with and for AI Contexts
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Lambrecht (2025)
    “What People Are Saying” About Extreme Weather: A Comparison of Public Commenta…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. Muthyala et al. (2025)
    Demystifying Chatbot Creation: A Comparative Case Study of Available Approaches
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

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CrossRef global citation count: 11 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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