The Most Expensive Thing AI Can Cost You Is Your Voice
Remember that eerie, monotone voice of the computer in WarGames that kept repeating, “Shall we play a game?”
If you’ve seen the movie, you can hear the exact tone right now (and people thought that was going to take over the world).
It’s the kind of voice that might get the job done, but it’s hardly going to give you the warm and fuzzies.
The computer’s voice was a far cry from a human connection. Similarly, AI-generated copy often carries that same robotic tone – efficient but devoid of what makes writing truly engaging.
That creepy robot voice in WarGames now feels more human than some of the AI-generated content I see online.
Danger Zone: Steer Clear at All Costs!
AI-generated messages are everywhere – from customer service chats to marketing emails, and the most common offenders – LinkedIn posts.
While these tools are undeniably efficient and often helpful, they come with a downside: the risk of sounding robotic, generic, or disconnected. What was once a novelty has quickly become a liability when your audience recognizes the lack of a human touch.
Whether it’s an overly formal sentence or an overused buzzword, AI can quickly turn your message into something that feels detached and uninspired.
Here are my Hall of Fame examples:
Overly Formal or Corporate
- “In today’s ever-evolving business landscape…”
- “As industry leaders, we strive to…”
- “Leveraging cutting-edge solutions to drive results…”
Buzzword Overload
- “Empowering stakeholders with actionable insights.”
- “Transforming the way professionals [do X].”
- “Driving innovation through data-driven insights.”
Generic or Non-Specific
- “We help businesses succeed.”
- “Providing tailored solutions to your needs.”
- “Your trusted partner in success.”
- “Delivering excellence every step of the way.”
Overused Motivational Lines
- “The future belongs to those who…”
- “Hard work pays off”
- “Success is not a destination; it’s a journey.”
- “Great things never come from comfort zones.”
These phrases miss the mark because they lack the very elements that make communication effective.
They:
- Fail to showcase your unique voice, perspective, or personality and scream, “I copied and pasted this from ChatGPT to make me sound smart.”
- Lean too heavily on corporate jargon, creating a barrier between you and your audience rather than building a connection.
- Don’t provide real value. Their generic nature makes them uninspiring and irrelevant, leaving readers disengaged.
Lost in a sea of mediocrity
Don’t believe me?
Scrolling through LinkedIn, it doesn’t take long to spot these buzzword-packed, AI-sounding posts.
Whether it’s a business boasting about “empowering stakeholders with actionable insights” or an account executive claiming to “leverage cutting-edge solutions,” these messages aren’t doing anyone any favors.
Instead of building credibility, they undermine it, making the creator or brand come across as insincere or out of touch. Worse, these posts blend into the noise, making it impossible for readers to differentiate one from another.
When a message lacks authenticity, it not only misses the mark but also risks damaging the reputation of the person or business behind it.
Do this instead
Now, let’s turn it around!
Instead of leaning into overused phrases and generic language, it’s time to inject some personality, clarity, and value into your messages.
Here’s how you can ditch the clichés and create content that actually resonates with your audience.
Show personality: share authentic stories or personal insights
Example: “I learned a big lesson about leadership when I failed at…”
Add value: provide actionable tips or insights
Example: “Here’s a strategy I used to help clients achieve…”
Celebrate with specifics: celebrate wins, but make it about the impact
Example: “Thrilled to announce we achieved [specific milestone] and how it’s helping us [specific outcome].”
AI Won’t Replace Creativity. It Will Reveal It
I used AI to help with my content, mainly to generate ideas and clean up grammar. But here’s the kicker: at the heart of this piece? That’s all me.
I took those initial suggestions and transformed them into something authentically original, with my own voice, perspective, and a bit of humor.
Unless AI can tap into the human brain, it will never capture the full range of human creativity. Just ask WOPR from WarGames, who thought “Global Thermonuclear War” was simply a game.
AI can be a powerful tool, but there is no substitute for the creativity, perspective, and connection that only a real person can bring to the table.