A customized chatbot and structured interactions with ChatGPT were integrated into professional business communication pedagogy to foster critical reading, evaluative judgment and independent writing skills. The iterative-experiential learning feature of AI was utilized. AI (the chatbot and ChatGPT) was conceptualized as an assistant, coach, and provocateur in learning rather than a shortcut to bypass effort. The effectiveness of the intervention was explored through students’ reflections and learning experiences. The findings suggest that AI interventions for developing critical reading and writing skills can enhance traditional pedagogies and the learning curve. Implications and limitations of the study were also discussed.