Guide to Hosting AI-Augmented Conversations

AI-augmented conversations integrate artificial intelligence tools into the full lifecycle of a discussion—from hosting and transcription to content creation and refinement. This approach streamlines workflow, boosts quality, and saves time while preserving human insight and oversight.

Step 1: Plan and Host the Conversation

• Choose your platform. Select a video conferencing platform like Zoom that supports large audiences (up to 100 or more).

• Set date and time. Ensure it works for your speakers, collaborators, and target audience.

• Collaborate and assign roles. Consider inviting a partner organization and designating a skilled moderator to guide the first part of the conversation.

• Require registration. This helps manage attendance and enables follow-up communications.

• Develop guiding questions. Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and FutureHouse to co-develop questions based on your goals. Revise collaboratively with your guest expert.

• Structure the session. Plan for a 30-minute moderated conversation followed by open discussion or audience Q&A.

Step 2: Transcribe the Conversation

• Record the session. Ensure audio quality is clear and saved in a format suitable for transcription.

• Use AI transcription tools. Tools like Otter.ai can quickly generate an accurate transcript, typically within 10 minutes of uploading.

• Edit lightly if needed. Correct speaker names and clarify unclear passages to prepare for analysis.

I used Otter.ai to generate in minutes a highly accurate transcript of a WAMC interview with Skidmore Consitutional law scholar Beau Breslin. (Click to enlarge.)