As the popularity of AI continues to rise, it’s tempting to believe that AI can replace humans in nearly every aspect of life, including creative and expressive tasks. Unsurprisingly, one thing I’m being asked again and again is whether I think AI is going to take my job away. But when it comes to the art of speechwriting, I don’t think this will be the case. Yes, AI can help generate content, but there are so many elements of speechwriting deeply rooted in the human experience that algorithms can’t replicate.
Empathy and Context
In my opinion, one of the biggest limitations of AI in speechwriting is its inability to understand the full context and empathize with the audience. The best speeches often rely on understanding the emotions and beliefs of the audience, as well as the context in which the speech is delivered. AI is not equipped to understand that the father of the bride may get teary when talking about his daughter or the mother of the Bar Mitzvah boy wants her speech to include sarcasm. On the other hand, savvy speechwriters know how to relate to human experiences (and all their nuances), reflect the speechgiver’s personality and choose words that resonate with authenticity.
Emotional Intelligence
AI also lacks emotional intelligence. More specifically the ability to feel emotions or understand the emotional nuances needed to create winning. It cannot accurately gauge the mood of a room, the subtle cues in body language, or the unspoken needs of the audience. Speechwriting isn’t just stringing words together; it’s about conveying emotions and connecting with an audience on a person level. Human speechwriters know how to tap into humanity and emotions to connect with the hearts and minds of the audience.
Creativity and Originality
While AI can generate text based on patterns and data, it does so based on existing content. Therefore, it struggles to create anything truly original or creative. This can lead to generic or uninspiring speeches that are quickly forgotten as soon as they’re delivered. Speechwriters have the unique ability to infuse creativity into their speeches, weaving compelling narratives and metaphors that engage and inspire.
AI's limitations are especially evident when it comes to creating speeches for special occasions. These moments require a personal touch and creative flair that AI can’t replicate. Speechwriters bring their individual creativity and voice to their work, ensuring each speech is truly one-of-a-kind.
Effective Delivery
While AI may be able to create some semblance of a speech, it can’t work with the speech giver on their delivery. Striking the right tone and hitting the right notes takes time, insight, and practice on the part of the speech giver. Speechwriters can certainly deliver value on this front and can work closely with speech givers on pace, timing, and elocution.
Speechwriting is an art, one that requires a strong personal touch for it to rise beyond generic, cookie-cutter products. Speechwriters can infuse the process with a level of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and creativity that AI can’t replicate no matter how advanced the technology. AI can certainly lend people a helping hand when it comes to writing, but I don’t think it will ever completely replace the human touch speechwriters bring to the table.