Chapter 51: Enhance Your Interpersonal Skills with the Power of AI

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LET'S TALK

How's your communications skills?

I used to think I was really good.

I'd kick out badass decks and do great presentations.

One day, I was a newbie at a new gig and my manager told me to do the next staff presentation.

You know how it is - when you first start a new job you really want to impress.

Well, I thought I knocked it out of the park.

I could see that everyone was nodding. They totally got what I was saying.

Not long after, my manager pulled me aside and very patiently told me what I had done wrong.

Kind of a surprise.

I learned a hard lesson that day. Instead of pushing hard right away, I took time to observe: the protocols, the way people spoke, interactions etc. i spent time trying to understand the ebb and flow of communications within an organization before i came out guns blazing with my own personality.

It really helped me. And AI can help you now.

Whether you’re crafting an important email, preparing for a presentation, or navigating a tricky conversation, strong communication skills are essential.

But let’s face it—communicating effectively can be challenging, especially when emotions are involved or the stakes are high. That’s where AI comes in.

Today, we’ll explore how AI can help you level up your communication skills, making your interactions more clear, confident, and impactful.

Ready to enhance your communication game? Let’s dive in!

SUPER IMPORTANT

Effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships, whether in your personal life or professional career. It’s about more than just exchanging information—it’s about understanding and being understood. Good communication can help you build trust, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals. But even the best communicators can struggle at times. Fortunately, AI offers tools and insights to help you refine your communication skills and express yourself more clearly and confidently.

STORY

Meet Jason, a young manager who found it challenging to communicate with his team effectively. He often felt misunderstood and struggled to convey his ideas clearly. Wanting to improve, Jason turned to AI tools to enhance his communication skills. He started using AI-driven writing assistants to craft more concise and impactful emails, and AI-powered speech analysis tools to refine his public speaking skills. Over time, Jason noticed a significant improvement in his ability to articulate his thoughts, connect with his team, and lead with confidence. AI didn’t just help Jason communicate better—it transformed his leadership style.

HOW

1. Writing Assistance: AI-driven writing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can help you improve the clarity, tone, and style of your written communications. These tools provide real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation, and readability, ensuring that your emails, reports, and messages are polished and professional. Whether you’re drafting an important email or writing a report, AI can help you express your ideas clearly and effectively.
2. Speech and Presentation Coaching: Preparing for a presentation or speech? An AI-powered tool like Orai and Speeko can analyze your speech patterns, provide feedback on your pacing, tone, and volume, and help you practice your delivery. These tools offer personalized tips to enhance your public speaking skills, boost your confidence, and ensure that your message is delivered with impact.
3. Tone Analysis: AI tools like Crystal Knows can analyze your communication style and suggest adjustments to better connect with different audiences. By understanding the tone and preferences of your audience, you can tailor your communication to resonate more effectively with them. This is particularly useful in professional settings where adapting your tone to match your audience can lead to more successful interactions.
4. Conflict Resolution: Navigating difficult conversations can be challenging, but AI can help you approach conflicts with greater empathy and understanding. Tools like Replika and Wysa offer conversational AI that can simulate difficult conversations, allowing you to practice and refine your responses in a low-stakes environment. These tools help you develop the emotional intelligence needed to resolve conflicts effectively.

Or lets have a quick chat with our fav AI chatbot on this...

You: "I often feel like I’m not communicating well in meetings. I get nervous, and I end up either talking too much or not saying enough. Can you help me get better at this?"

AI: "Of course! Let’s work on your verbal communication skills in meetings. The key is to find a balance between being concise and being clear. It’s all about preparation, confidence, and delivery. Let’s start by breaking down a typical meeting scenario. What kind of meetings do you usually find challenging?"

You: "Mostly team meetings where I need to present ideas or give updates. I get nervous and either ramble on or lose my train of thought."

AI: "I understand. Let’s tackle the nervousness first. A good strategy is to prepare a brief outline before the meeting. This can be as simple as jotting down the key points you want to cover. This way, you have a roadmap to follow, which helps keep you on track. Let’s practice: imagine you have a meeting tomorrow to update your team on a project. What are the three main points you want to communicate?"

You: "I want to update them on the project’s progress, discuss any challenges we’re facing, and outline the next steps."

AI: "Great! Now, take a moment to think about how you’ll present these points. Start with a quick summary, then move into each point with a bit more detail. For example, you might say, 'We’ve made significant progress on the project, but we’re encountering a few challenges that need to be addressed. Here’s what we’ve done so far, what we’re dealing with, and what we plan to do next.' This approach helps you stay focused and clear."

You: "That makes sense. It feels more structured and less overwhelming."

AI: "Exactly. Structure gives you confidence. Another thing to remember is the power of pausing. When you’re in a meeting, it’s okay to take a brief pause before responding or after making a point. This not only gives you a moment to collect your thoughts but also signals to your audience that you’re being thoughtful about what you’re saying. Let’s practice: imagine someone in the meeting asks you a challenging question. Instead of rushing to answer, take a deep breath, pause for a moment, and then respond. How does that feel?"

You: "It feels a bit more controlled. I can see how pausing would help me avoid rambling."

AI: "Absolutely! Pausing gives you control over the conversation. It also makes your responses sound more deliberate and considered, which can boost your credibility in the meeting. Another tip is to practice active listening. During the meeting, focus on what others are saying, and when it’s your turn to speak, you can reference their points. This shows that you’re engaged and can help make your contributions more relevant."

You: "I usually get so focused on what I’m going to say that I forget to really listen."

AI: "That’s common, but by practicing active listening, you can enhance your communication skills significantly. Try summarizing or acknowledging what someone else has said before adding your thoughts. For example, 'I agree with what Sarah mentioned about the timeline, and I think we can address it by…' This makes your input more connected to the conversation."

You: "I’ll try that. It seems like it would make my points stronger."

AI: "It definitely will. Remember, good communication in meetings is about being clear, concise, and connected to the discussion. With practice, these techniques will become more natural. Let’s set a goal for your next meeting—focus on preparing an outline, using pauses effectively, and practicing active listening. How does that sound?"

You: "It sounds like a solid plan. I’m feeling more confident about my next meeting already."

AI: "That’s great to hear! With these strategies, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in meetings and feel more confident in your contributions. I’m here to help you practice and refine your skills anytime you need it. You’ve got this!"

Effective communication is crucial for making your voice heard, conveying your ideas clearly, and building stronger connections with people.

Whether you struggle with nervousness, rambling, or staying focused, AI can be a valuable coach in helping you refine your verbal communication skills.

In the roleplay, we explored practical techniques like preparing an outline, using pauses effectively, and practicing active listening—strategies that can transform how you communicate in meetings.

Roleplaying with AI offers a safe and supportive space to practice these skills, helping you build confidence and develop a more structured approach to speaking up.

By integrating these techniques into your routine, you can enhance your communication game and make a lasting impact in your professional interactions.

Remember, communication is a skill that improves with practice, and with the right guidance, you’ll be able to navigate any meeting with clarity and confidence.

Keep practicing, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard!

THOUGHTS?

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See you next week.

Nikola Harper, Editor, Workflow Wednesdays, 10xYOU​

PS: You can always email me directly at nik@10xyou.us​