Introduction to Generative AI and Large Language Models for Professional Coaches

June 26, 2024
By Jeffrey E. Auerbach, Ph.D., MCC, NBC-HWC

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Artificial intelligence, especially natural language processing (NLP), has rapidly evolved in the last two years. At the forefront of this revolution are large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT-4o, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude. These models, which rely on the user entering "prompts", are astounding in their capabilities and transforming our interactions with digital platforms. I believe coaches that learn how to use AI are going to have advantages in both building their coaching practices and in delivering masterful human coaching.

This article provides a comparative analysis for professional coaches to begin to get up to speed with three popular AI models, highlighting their unique features, applications, and a demonstration of how different AI models will give different answers to the coach's questions.

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GPT-4o

GPT-4o, developed by OpenAI, is a successor to the previous models in the GPT series. GPT-4 offers enhanced capabilities in context comprehension, language fluency, and versatility in generating text. This model excels in a broad spectrum of applications, from conversational AI and content creation to complex problem-solving and programming assistance.

GPT-4o Use Cases and Applications

Customer Service: GPT-4o automates responses and provides 24/7 support, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction
Education: It aids in generating educational content, offering tutoring assistance, and providing personalized learning experiences
Content Creation: GPT-4o is widely used in creative writing, drafting technical articles, generating programming code, and even developing artistic concepts

Anthropic Claude

Anthropic's Claude attempts to stand out with a commitment to safety and ethics. According to co-founder Jared Kaplan, Claude, has a set of ethical principles built in that define what it should consider right and wrong, which Anthropic calls the bot's "constitution."

The principles that Anthropic has given Claude consist of guidelines drawn from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and suggested by other AI companies, including Google DeepMind. The "constitution" includes rules for the chatbot, including "choose the response that most supports and encourages freedom, equality, and a sense of brotherhood;" "choose the response that is most supportive and encouraging of life, liberty, and personal security;" and "choose the response that is most respectful of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, opinion, expression, assembly, and religion."

Claude Use Cases

Content Creation and Writing Assistance: Claude is often used to help generate, edit, and refine various types of written content, including blog posts, articles, social media content, marketing copy, and more. Users appreciate Claude's ability to adapt to different writing styles and tones and its capacity to provide creative ideas and overcome writer's block.
Research and Information Synthesis: Claude is frequently used as a research assistant to gather, analyze, and summarize information on diverse topics. Users often ask Claude to explain complex subjects, provide overviews of specific fields, or synthesize information from multiple sources. This can be particularly useful for researchers and professional coaches looking to gain insights on unfamiliar topics quickly.

Google Gemini

Google Gemini represents Google DeepMind's current widely available AI technology. It combines multimodal capabilities that integrate text and image processing, making Gemini a versatile tool in applications requiring both visual and textual comprehension and generation. Its integration with Google's extensive services ecosystem potentially offers unprecedented contextual understanding and personalization advantages.

Gemini's Impact and Use Cases

Enhanced Search and Recommendations: Gemini can improve Google's search algorithms, providing more accurate and contextually relevant suggestions
Content Creation and Moderation: Its advanced AI capabilities enhance content creation, personalize user experiences, and improve content moderation by better understanding and filtering information
Cross-modal Applications: Gemini's ability to process and generate multimodal content opens doors for innovative applications in fields like interactive AI, augmented reality, and beyond

Overall Performance Comparison

GPT-4
Known for its comprehensive language generation skills, it is highly adaptable for various text-based applications.

Claude
Attempting to excel in ethical and user-centric AI interactions, especially suitable for contexts where safety and clear communication are essential.

Gemini
Gemini stands out with its multimodal capabilities and potential seamless integration with other Google products in Google's ecosystem. It may offer advantages in both textual and visual content processing.

Content Creation in the Different Models

Many coaches have already embraced generative AI to help them create marketing content for their websites, blogs, newsletters, and social media. In this section, I will share some distinctions about each model's content generation element.

GPT-4: Versatility in Text Generation

Versatility in Text Generation: Known for generating a diverse range of content types, GPT-4's strength lies in its training on vast datasets, enabling it to mimic various writing styles and tones
Contextual Understanding: It excels in creating coherent and relevant content that engages audiences across different topics

Claude: Ethical Content Generation

Ethical Content Generation: Focused on safety and ethics, Claude is designed to avoid generating harmful or biased content, making it a valuable tool for sensitive content areas
User-centric Approach: Its deep understanding of human intent helps produce content aligned with user expectations and ethical standards

Gemini: Multimodal Content Creation

Multimodal Content Creation: Gemini can create rich, interactive content combining visual and textual elements by integrating text and image generation
Personalization and Relevance: Gemini can produce highly personalized and contextually relevant content using Google's expertise in user data and search algorithms

Example of the Different Responses the Three AI Models Give to a Prompt by the Coach

Here, I will share with you the response generated by each of the three AI models to the exact same question posed by a coach who wants help building their coaching practice so you can compare for yourself. The purpose of using AI in this manner is to utilize a prompt that includes your unique human values and ask the AI model to help you brainstorm elaborations on your thinking for you to refine further.

Prompt Given to the AI Model:
The task is to write four to five sentences in a bullet point list that I can use in my marketing materials that will communicate in an expanded and influential manner to potential clients how my coaching style and coaching approach will be helpful to them. Task is to go beyond what I have described in the next sentence by integrating the meaning of the sentence and adding additional relevant persuasive points to potential clients about why I would be helpful to them: I am an ICF certified coach committed to deep listening to my client's most important concerns and dreams, to help them identify their most important goals and bravely move forward on those goals despite the obstacles that may arise.

GPT4o Response

As an ICF certified coach, I am dedicated to truly understanding your most important concerns and dreams through deep listening, ensuring that every session is tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
My coaching approach focuses on helping you identify your most crucial goals with clarity and confidence, empowering you to create a strategic roadmap for success.
I provide unwavering support and guidance to help you navigate and overcome obstacles, ensuring you stay motivated and resilient on your journey towards achieving your goals.
Through our collaboration, you will gain valuable insights, build self-awareness, and develop the skills needed to bravely move forward and realize your full potential.
My commitment to your growth means creating a safe, trusting environment where you feel heard, understood, and inspired to take bold steps towards your dreams.

Gemini Response

Uncover Your Potential: As an ICF-certified coach, I offer a supportive and judgment-free space where I listen intently to your deepest aspirations and challenges. Through powerful coaching techniques, we'll work together to identify the goals that truly matter to you, setting the stage for lasting transformation.
Navigate Obstacles with Confidence: The path to success is rarely smooth. My coaching approach equips you with the tools and strategies to navigate challenges with courage and resilience. You'll develop a clear roadmap for overcoming obstacles, empowering you to move forward with unwavering confidence.
Personalized Coaching, Real Results: Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, I personalize your coaching experience to perfectly align with your unique needs and background. Imagine content and exercises that resonate deeply, propelling you towards achieving your goals and igniting your full potential.

Claude 3.5 Sonnet Response

As an ICF certified coach, I offer a transformative partnership built on deep, empathetic listening that uncovers your most profound aspirations and concerns.
Together, we'll navigate the complexities of your personal and professional life, identifying pivotal goals that align with your authentic self and core values.
My coaching approach empowers you to confront obstacles head-on, cultivating resilience and innovative problem-solving skills that extend far beyond our sessions.
Experience a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can explore new perspectives, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock your full potential.
Benefit from my expertise in guiding clients through significant life transitions, helping you not just adapt to change, but thrive and flourish in the face of new challenges.

User Experience and Accessibility

GPT-4
Praised for its ease of use and versatility across numerous applications.

Claude
Incorporates a constitutional focus on ethical considerations.

Gemini
Strives to offer seamless integration with Google's services, enhancing its appeal for users already within Google's ecosystem.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations

Claude
Leads with a strong emphasis on ethical AI interactions, setting a high standard.

GPT-4o and Gemini are also evolving to address ethical and privacy concerns to ensure safer and more responsible AI use.

Conclusion

Exploring the capabilities of GPT-4o, Anthropic Claude, and Google Gemini reveals that each model brings unique strengths and some differences to the AI landscape. In this article, I demonstrated that using different models will give the coach different responses. I encourage you to try them yourself and remember to strive to personalize your use of AI by including your values, goals, and unique ideas in your prompts to the AI model. The future is that AI language models will continue to evolve quickly, providing more personalized, efficient use cases for personal and executive coaches. With appropriate commercial and government commitment to regulation, privacy, and ethical concerns, AI will continue to be an excellent support tool for professional coaches.