Should You Let AI Write Your Speeches?

And why your voice still matters more than ever

Impactful Speaking

and

Damien GAUTHIER

Apr 04, 2025

I Keep Hearing This Question

People often ask me, “Damien, should I use AI like ChatGPT to write my speech?”

It’s a fair question. Just this morning, I watched a video claiming that the latest version of ChatGPT (4.5) sounds more human than ever. It’s impressive. The tool is powerful. So yes, I understand the temptation.

So you have a speech coming up. You’re busy. You think: Why not let AI write it for me?

Here’s my answer: No. Not for the final script. Not for the words that carry your voice.

Let me explain why.

A Speech Is Not Just a Bunch of Facts

There’s a big difference between writing to inform and writing to connect.

AI is excellent for creating reports, summaries, outlines, or even a first draft of your LinkedIn post.

But a powerful, memorable speech is not about delivering facts. It’s about creating connection. It’s about making people feel something.

When you speak, you’re not just sharing ideas. You’re inviting people into your world. You’re building a bridge between your experience and theirs. And for it to work, the words must carry something personal: your tone, your rhythm, your story…

That is very hard for a machine to sound just like you.

Actors Can Say Other People’s Words, But That’s Their Job

Now, I know what some people think. “Well, actors say lines written by someone else, and they’re still amazing.”

Yes. Absolutely. But here’s the thing: actors train for years to learn how to make someone else’s words feel like their own. That’s what we do. We study breath, rhythm, emotion, posture — everything. And even then, it takes a tremendous amount of time and rehearsing to get it "just right."

Most people don’t have time to rehearse like actors. And the truth is, you don’t need to. You’re not here to perform. You’re here to share. To speak honestly.

And that works best when the words are truly yours.

Your Authentic Voice Is Already Good Enough

Many people feel they need AI because they think their writing isn’t “good enough.” They’re worried they’ll sound clumsy, too casual, too simple.

But here’s the thing: sounding like you is not a flaw. It’s a gift. Your audience doesn’t want to hear a polished “generic human.” They want to hear you. They want your perspective, your story, your emotion… Even your hesitations. Your humanity is what draws them in.

When your words match your energy, people listen. They feel it. They trust it.

Authenticity trumps clever writing every time.

How I Use AI (And How You Can Too)

Now, let’s be honest. I do use AI. It’s a great tool when you use it for the right things.

I use it like a creative assistant. Here’s how:

To explore ideas when I feel stuck;
To play with outlines or structures;
To reflect on a message and refine it;
To summarize notes.

It’s like having a brainstorming partner. But I never let it take over. I always come back to my words, my intent, my voice.

Because that’s what makes the speech mine.

Final Thought: Don’t Outsource Yourself

AI can be helpful, very helpful, but don’t let it speak for you.

Keep the heart of your speech in your own hands, even if it takes longer, even if it feels messy at first. That effort will make you grow as a communicator. And more importantly, it will make you sound genuine.

And that’s what your audience wants: connection, not perfection. Not robotic fluency, but real presence. Someone who believes in what they’re saying and dares to show it.

That’s how you make an impact.

So yes, use the tools, ask for help, and talk to ChatGPT if it helps you think better.

But write your own speech.

It will be ten times better.

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