The Increasing Importance of Speaking Off the Cuff in the Age of AI

In a time when anyone can make perfect arguments or speeches with AI, speaking naturally becomes even more important. Naturally spoken words show authenticity and emotion, which AI-generated content lacks. Speaking off the cuff shows who we are and helps others decide if they can trust us.

AI tools are changing how we communicate. Emails, articles, and speeches can be made in seconds, using AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly to get the best tone and wording. The use of AI is becoming increasingly common, making it a significant part of everyday communication. But when our words are so carefully put together by AI, it can be hard to know the person behind them. When everything we read and hear is polished, it gets hard to decide if we can trust the source.

How someone speaks naturally may become the last genuine and reliable measure of their true ability and character.

Having a framework for persuasive, off-the-cuff speaking is thus more important than ever. It helps reduce anxiety by providing structure, making it easier to communicate effectively under pressure. It makes delivering a clear and compelling message much easier. Our Claim-Evidence-Conclusion-Action framework offers exactly that. It helps speakers organize their thoughts logically, making sure each point is backed by evidence, leading to a solid conclusion, and ending with a clear action. The framework can make spontaneous speaking more effective and ensure that even when speaking off the cuff, the message remains impactful and trustworthy.?

Take the fictional example of a young professional named Emma. Emma was applying for a job at a major company. During her interview, she knew that other candidates had used AI tools to help draft their answers to common interview questions. But when Emma faced an unexpected question about a challenge she had faced at her previous job, she decided to use the Claim-Evidence-Conclusion-Action framework to structure her response. She paused, thought carefully, and then stated her claim: that she could effectively manage difficult projects. She provided evidence by sharing a genuine story about a challenging project and the concrete steps she took to handle it. She concluded by reflecting on what she learned from the experience, and then ended with an action, explaining how she would apply those lessons in the role she was applying for.

The interviewers could see her her ability to think on her feet. By using the framework, Emma's answer was clear and impactful, helping her stand out from the other candidates, ultimately landing her the job.

The more AI perfects writing, the more we value real speech. As we use more technology, being able to speak clearly under pressure, to persuade without a script, and to build trust in person might be the last part of human connection that can't be faked. Speaking off the cuff will be more than just a skill—it will be a key measure of someone's trustworthiness and a reminder of what makes us human.

Visit elevatorspeech.app to learn more about how to use our Claim-Evidence-Conclusion-Action framework.