Recently, I have been posting some reels on social media and it was really interesting to see someone commenting on my post "this feels like ai". Now I know a lot of people use ai generated texts, images and I have heard the horrific stories of actors having their identity stolen because companies have cloned their voice and image without their consent. These actors only have to read the 150 words to clone their entire voice and their image is publicly used to create an AI avatar. In this blog, I want to dive deep into the differences between a real person speaking naturally in front of camera to an AI generated script and video.
Recently, I have been posting some reels on social media and it was really interesting to see someone commenting on my post "this feels like ai". Now I know a lot of people use ai generated texts, images and I have heard the horrific stories of actors having their identity stolen because companies have cloned their voice and image without their consent. These actors only have to read the 150 words to clone their entire voice and their image is publicly used to create an AI avatar. In this blog, I want to dive deep into the differences between a real person speaking naturally in front of camera to an AI generated script and video.
As AI technology becomes increasingly advanced, the line between human and machine communication is starting to blur. People are truly getting confused between what is AI and what is a real person talking because AI-generated voices are everywhere, from virtual assistants to automated customer service lines, and some AI tools are undeniably impressive. So it can be really hard to tell the differences, but no AI voice can be a substitute for a real voice with real words spoken by a real human.
AI Can't Replace Us All, Can It?
We use AI to make our lives easier, to help us generate ideas and to create a plan for our projects, which is very useful in terms of solo entrepreneurs who do not have money to hire a team of people. But these big companies are using AI to get rid of a whole department of people. This is a topic for another blog at another time but going back to using our voice, using our authentic self to communicate what we are passionate about, AI doesn't have that power.
It may be easier to use a computer and tell AI what you want it to generate, but it cannot take away the art of communication and the whole purpose of why we communicate. The tones we have in our voice, the nuances between each individual because our voice highlights a part of our personality, the ideas we want to express down to the message we want to deliver to an audience. As someone who has spent years coaching individuals to improve people's communication skills, we have to take pride in telling people our stories. If we don't AI will.
The Key Differences Between A Real Person Talking And An AI-generated Voice
1. Authenticity vs. Automation
When a real person speaks, you’re hearing more than just words. You’re experiencing their emotions, intentions, and personality. The tone of their voice, their pauses, and even their imperfections convey authenticity, making the interaction feel genuine and relatable. But when people get really good at speaking, their words flow, they can film a reel in one take because they prepared what they are saying beforehand and it feels genuine.
AI-generated voices, on the other hand, are programmed to simulate speech. While they may sound smooth and polished, they lack the natural quirks and nuances that make human speech so engaging. AI can’t express vulnerability, humour, or spontaneity in the way a real person can. Have you seen an AI video that portrayed sarcasm?
2. Emotion and Empathy
One of the most significant differences is the ability to convey and respond to emotions. Humans naturally adjust their tone, their words and delivery based on the situation, comforting a friend, encouraging a colleague, or celebrating a win. These emotional shifts are instinctive and deeply impactful. This is why we share stories to each other, we love to have a rant and a moan to release all the emotions within us and these emotions are amplified when we feel so strongly about our own opinions.
AI-generated voices, even with advancements in emotional synthesis, struggle to replicate this. They can be programmed to “sound” empathetic, but they can’t truly feel or respond to emotions. This lack of genuine emotional connection makes AI voices less effective in situations that require sensitivity or warmth. Have you ever heard an automated service on the telephone say sorry when it doesn't register the sentence you've said? Before you realise you're screaming into the abyss trying to talk to a real human who can understand you.
3. Context and Adaptability
Humans are great at adapting their communication based on context. For example, you might speak more formally in a meeting but switch to a casual tone with friends. You adjust your pace, vocabulary, and emphasis depending on who you’re speaking to and what you want to convey. Each person has a different way of talking and a different set of vocabulary they use to speak.
AI-generated voices are limited by their programming. While they can respond to prompts or follow scripts, they can’t fully grasp the complexities of context or tailor their responses with the same finesse as a real person. Have you used a vague prompt to ask Chatgpt to write a script for you without mentioning any specifics? It comes out with the most random topics.
4. The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways humans connect with each other. A real person’s voice can bring a story to life with emotion, pacing, and personal touches that make the narrative compelling and memorable. When you are excited you tend to talk faster with a higher pitched voice. You add details in the story because you have lived that experience, you see, smell, taste, touch and hear so you remember the finer details of what happened in that exact moment.
AI can tell a story, but it often lacks the depth and passion that come from lived experience. It’s the difference between hearing a bedtime story read by a parent and listening to a robotic narrator. The words might be the same, but the impact is worlds apart. Have you heard those AI generated voices on social media posts? It drives me up the wall how robotic they are.
5. Trust and Credibility
People trust other people, not machines. When someone speaks to you face-to-face or even through a recording, their authenticity builds credibility. You can hear their sincerity and feel their presence, which creates a stronger sense of connection. People understand how you feel, they give you advice, they can educate and inspire you.
AI voices, while useful for tasks like providing directions or answering FAQs, it is just an information provider. In situations where trust is crucial like negotiations, teaching, or counselling a real person’s voice will always carry more weight. Have you
When To Use AI and When To Rely On Your Voice
AI-generated voices have their place. They’re fantastic for efficiency, consistency, and accessibility. For example:
Automating basic customer service queries
Providing navigation or instructional prompts
Reading text for accessibility purposes
But for situations that require connection, trust, or creativity, your real voice is irreplaceable. Speaking authentically, whether in a meeting, presentation, or conversation, allows you to build deeper relationships and leave a lasting impact.
The Human Voice Will Always Matter
While AI-generated voices are a remarkable achievement of modern technology, they’ll never fully replace the richness and authenticity of human communication. Your voice is unique, powerful, and capable of connecting with others in ways no machine can replicate. We can be just as polished as AI in our words, in our body language and facial expressions if we practice, but AI does not have the human qualities we have.
If you’re ready to explore how you can strengthen your communication skills and make the most of your voice, book a call with me today. Together, we’ll work on techniques to help you express yourself authentically and confidently in every situation then your communication skills and make the most of your voice, book a call with me today. Together, we’ll work on techniques to help you express yourself authentically and confidently in every situation.
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