If you could outsource your public speaking to AI, would you do it?
Three months ago I had a former student, Cheryl, come to me asking for advice about her website for her new startup. What was the ask? She wanted to know if the welcome video was up to snuff. When I looked at the video I was shocked.
It wasn’t a video of her welcoming users to the site; it was a video of a computer generated personality speaking in a monotone voice: “Welcome!” I had never felt so unwelcome.
Why did Cheryl choose to use artificial intelligence to create this, what should be a very personal and authentic welcome video? Because she was afraid of being visible. Can you relate?
I can relate. I’ve been see-sawing for years with my visibility, and while it’s getting easier, I still fear being judged. Will this feeling ever go away?
The short answer is I don’t know, but what I do know is that every time I get on a stage, post on social media, or send a newsletter, the fear goes away a little bit. Kind of like working out: six pack abs aren’t just going to happen—you have to keep showing up in the gym and build them one crunch at a time.
THE BIG PRINT: i.e. If you take one thing away from this post it’s that…
Don’t outsource yourself to AI because every opportunity to be visible, if taken, strengthens your authentic voice.
AI is not better than you. In fact, in my view, AI is giving humanity a fantastic opportunity to be more authentic. It’s giving us the freedom to do more than just share data: it’s giving us the freedom to be more vulnerable by sharing our lived experience. And vulnerability is something the world needs more of today.
TAKE IT FROM… Marcia Gagliardi, San Francisco food blogger and culturista extraordinaire.
I met Marcia years ago when I was living in San Francisco. With her bright red hair and power clashing fashion bravado, Marcia is not to be ignored. I have always seen Marcia as my Authenticity Spirit Animal. Whenever I’m feeling like I need to censor myself or shrink, I bring to mind her words:
“Perfectionism can be the enemy of authenticity. Sometimes, you just need to let go, hit send, and trust that what you’ve created is enough. People connect more with your real, imperfect self than with a polished version that feels safe but inauthentic. The magic happens when you let it rip and show up as you truly are.” —Marcia Gagliardi
I’ve worked with everyone from CEOs of global corporations to solo entrepreneurs working out of their kitchens, and what I’ve learned is this:
NO ONE is immune to that internal voice that says, “You’re not good enough.” And you know what, that voice exists for the sole purpose of keeping you small.
All of that said, I ask you again. If you could outsource your public speaking to AI, would you do it?
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