Stop Talking Like a Robot: The Human Skills Leaders Need Now
As artificial intelligence takes over human communication, actual humans seem to be getting more artificial. Audiences everywhere are drowned in information overload. With diluting attention spans, they are less tolerant of robotic communication. Perfectly crafted lines and polished jargon disengage people more than ever. To them, more scripted means less credible. For real human connection leaders need to fix a few habits that they have acquired over time.
Let go the jargon
Phrases like “synergizing cross-functional teams” or “leveraging competencies” sound pompous and overbearing. People simply switch off and stop listening. A good motivational speaker opens up to loosen their audience.
No jargon, no big words. Just a language that even a seventh grader would understand. They don’t say “ideate”; they begin with a narrative to pull people in. They understand the value of connection.
Listen first
Many leaders enter meetings locked and loaded, treating their time as a one-way broadcast. They fail to gauge the signs and signals from their own teams. They forget that to be listened to is to feel understood. Getting a buy-in from their teams for any new ideas would need them to first build a connection with those members.
A two-way communication dynamic is the best way to get this going. This is not just about waiting for your turn to speak but also absorbing what people are saying and responding to their needs and concerns. The ability to read the room is a critical leadership skill.
Harness emotions
Data gives people the facts, but emotion is what fires them up for the task ahead. The team needs to understand not just the “what” but also the “why” and the “how”. People need a blend of hard numbers with human impact to feel inspired. Good leaders understand the importance of the tone of their message. A flat delivery versus a planned, controlled delivery can make all the difference to how the message lands.
Build your presence
The presence is not about voice and visibility. It is about being aware and responsive. It comes with practicing leadership communication techniques like preparing well in advance, pausing with intention, choosing the right words, and making genuine eye contact. Simplicity is the name of the game.
Craft sharp and concise messages to command attention. Being clear but not pushy pulls people in. Use your voice and words with intention and restraint. Leaders who are present appear grounded and confident.
Conclusion
AI and algorithms can automate, analyze, and synthesize but ultimately, they cannot replace the human ability to connect. The ability to think on their feet and adapt in the moment is what helps a good leader stand out. To sound humane, cut out jargon, replace statistics with stories and listen before putting out your viewpoint. In today’s robotic world, that’s what will give you an edge.