This is a call for participation in a roundtable on ChatGPT and teaching persuasive communication at the 56th Annual Northeast Modern Language Association (NeMLA) Convention in Philadelphia, PA, USA on March 6-9, 2025. 

This roundtable will examine practical strategies for integrating ChatGPT (or any GenAI bot/software) into rhetoric/persuasive communication classes (i.e., writing and/or speaking persuasively). We are particularly interested in receiving proposals that demonstrate how colleagues implement any of the following strategies:

1. Generating and refining persuasive arguments: ChatGPT may be used to assist students in brainstorming, outlining, and refining their persuasive arguments, helping them to identify and address counterarguments, and to craft more persuasive language. The key, of course, to this and other aspects of using GenAI effectively is creating (and revising) clear-cut prompts at the various stages of the writing process.

2. Analyzing and critiquing persuasive messages: By having ChatGPT analyze and critique sample persuasive messages and comparing with their own texts, students stand to gain valuable insights into the key elements of effective persuasion, such as tone, rhetorical devices, and appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos, etc.

3. Facilitating peer review and feedback: ChatGPT may be used to provide initial feedback on students' persuasive writing, allowing them to refine their work before seeking feedback from their peers and the instructor. It additionally may be used by a peer who can then agree or disagree with the bot when providing feedback to their classmate.

4. Exploring ethical considerations: As we integrate ChatGPT into the classroom, we also need to discuss the ethical implications of using AI in persuasive communication, addressing issues such as authenticity, bias, and the potential for misuse.

5. Enhancing presentation skills (for oral communication classrooms): New online programs may assist students in preparing and practicing their persuasive presentations, providing feedback on delivery, body language, and visual aids. Discussion of how to incorporate these programs effectively into the curriculum will be very useful, as will discussion of the extent to which these online practice sessions help students prepare for a real-world public speaking event.

In short, this roundtable will help colleagues learn how to effectively incorporate ChatGPT/GenAI systems into their persuasive communication curriculum, empowering their students to become more confident, effective, and ethical communicators in the digital age.

Guideline for Submission:

Website for submission:

1. Go to https://cfplist.com/nemla/Home/S/21277  ;
2. Click on the green “submit abstract” button in the upper right corner;
3. Log in if you have a NeMLA account; or create an account if you do not have a NeMLA account and then log in through the link above;
4. Then you will be directed to the “Submit an Abstract (21277)” page.

Formatting for Abstract Submissions

• Each abstract submission must include:
• A title of no more than 100 characters
• An abstract of 200 to 300 words
• A brief bio
• Media needs (no media required OR projector/screen--laptop not provided)

Deadline of Submission:

Individual paper abstract submissions are due September 30, 2024.