Hey Reader -

Pop quiz: If someone offered a cash bonus for elevator pitching your latest accomplishment, could you do it? No judgment if your answer is, “Uh, well, um”!

In “The Hottest Job in Tech: Writing Words,” Business Insider described how communication is rising to the top of in-demand job skills. What’s the root of the problem? AI.

OpenAI founder Sam Altman recently mentioned how an “AI accent” is creeping into conversations. And Communications Consultant Gab Ferree summed up the negative sentiment by noting, “There’s just so much garbage out there that people want to pay a premium for someone who can claim that they can cut through the noise.”

In the May series, What AI Can’t Give You, we’re discussing how to round out your AI acumen with people skills. Crafting communications isn’t limited to communication professionals. Everyone needs to know how to be persuasive.

However, storytelling can go sideways because AI forgets to mention that no one likes long-winded tales or mind-numbing data. That means that great storytellers know that the delivery is just as important as what you’re trying to convey.

So, the next time an AI answer isn’t quite right, temper the story you’re telling with people skills. Let’s see how someone puts these competencies to work.

Stay Cool and Composed

You wouldn’t think that a guy who talks for a living would worry about his style. However, attorney, commentator, and Hamilton superfan Neal Katyal consistently works on his technique.

The surprise is that his go-to three-point strategy for high-profile cases isn’t built on speed—it’s anchored in deliberate critical thinking.

First, he creates a binder with an exhaustive index, anticipating possible arguments and challenges. Next, he runs moot courts that simulate real-life tensions and the colorful characters he might face. And his kids are the last stress test. They determine whether his opening argument is clear and understandable.

Get Ahead of Storytelling Gotchas

Luckily, most of us won’t be cross-examined by Supreme Court justices anytime soon. Still, there are many soft skill How tips to learn from Neal Katyal, who has had over 50 Supreme Court appearances.

For instance, did you catch his creative approach? How he considers his audience and takes time to stand in their shoes? And how a judge’s temperament informs his legal arguments? In the same way, you can calibrate your delivery and engage with different audiences in a way that’s right for them.

Here are three common communication problems AI overlooks, plus bridging phrases to personalize. You’ll be ready, whether you’re pitching your boss for a title change or dealing with the aggressive coach of your kid’s sports team. For instance:

1. Remember that People are Tired and Distracted: Take it for granted that most people are replaying the morning fight with their teenager or are anxious about an upcoming meeting. Being distracted is one of the reasons people ramble or emotions explode. So, introduce clarity by addressing key issues. State, “You’ve raised many points. Let’s go step by step.”

2. Take a Beat: Avoiding misunderstandings and personality clashes often hinges on delaying your response rather than jumping in. So, consider whether you have the whole picture and if there’s an unarticulated need (like validation) behind it. Try, “I want to be sure I’m answering the most important question first.”

3. Recap the Headlines: Information dumping won’t make you friends. So, highlight priority ideas by saying, “We’ve discussed a lot, but the If someone wants additional details, they’ll ask for them.

And your AI prompt for especially hard personalities is: “I’m working with someone who is argumentative. Give me suggestions about how to align with them while staying professional and authentic."

Effective storytelling isn’t about false positivity or being a pushover. Sometimes you’ll need to turn up the heat. However, the more you understand how to use soft skill How tactics, the more you can pinpoint the right mix for every interaction.

So, cut through the noise with discussions that are wise and a little more thoughtful. Be the style icon of authentic, well-timed communications.

All the best,

Michelle Mains

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