Communications interview prep when AI writes the first draft

Check the facts. Choose what to say. Explain what would change your answer.

Try the first statement

What companies say they’re looking for

01 Say what the evidence supports

“It's not like you can outsource your judgment, but you can augment it.” (opens the source)

Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft · On Top of PR — Axia Public Relations, Mar 24, 2026

A clear draft can still invent a cause. Separate confirmed impact from what the team has yet to establish.

Communications case · Worked answerWhat can we say at 09:15?Example

02 Keep a pilot claim within its evidence

“you've got to evaluate and test before you can get to a fine-tuned approach.” (opens the source)

Frank Dias, AI adoption and change consultant, Quilter · Institute of Internal Communication, May 27, 2026

Name the measured task, participants and review work before turning a pilot result into a wider claim.

Communications case · Worked answerCan we claim a 25% productivity gain?Example

03 Reach the people who must act

“we have to make sure we’re communicating with our people, telling stories internally and making sure they feel appreciated and validated.” (opens the source)

Amanda Granit, Chief Communications Officer, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office · Ragan, Feb 4, 2026

A sent message is not a unique person reached. A person reached is not proof that they understand.

Communications case · Worked answerDid the change message reach 84% of staff?Example

04 Correct the fact that matters

“Sometimes when something’s happening, the decision to do nothing is the right one.” (opens the source)

Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft · Caliber — Always On, Apr 17, 2025

Correct a material error. For an unwelcome opinion, decide what new fact a response would add.

Communications case · Worked answerWhich part of the story needs a correction?Example

05 Protect time for the difficult conversation

“On a personal level, it requires above all intellectual integrity, the courage to be uncomfortable and perseverance in the face of resistance.” (opens the source)

Christof Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer, Bosch, at publication · Future-Proofing PR, Sep 16, 2026

Use faster drafting to prepare a defensible answer. Challenge a promise the business cannot yet support.

Communications case · Worked answerWhat should fill the 30 minutes AI saves?Example

Sources

Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft, at the time. On Top of PR — Axia Public Relations, “Shaping the future of PR with AI”, Mar 24, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Frank Dias, AI adoption and change consultant, Quilter, at the time. Institute of Internal Communication, “AI and the future of internal communication”, May 27, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Amanda Granit, Chief Communications Officer, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, at the time. Ragan, “What PR leaders can learn from a CCO in law enforcement communications”, Feb 4, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft, at the time. Caliber — Always On, “Microsoft’s Frank X. Shaw on Trust and Transparency in Tech”, Apr 17, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Christof Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer, Bosch, at publication, at the time. Future-Proofing PR, “Corporate communications is an endurance sport”, Sep 16, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.

Last reviewed Nov 10, 2026