Writing in the AI era - one size, or word, does not fit all.

AI writing tools have swept through offices worldwide, promising to make everyone a wordsmith. Results, however, can end up being more ludicrous than revolutionary.

In multinational workplaces where English is the business language despite varying skill levels, these tools have led to some bizarre transformations. Suddenly, everyone's trying to "harness innovation" and "foster unique approaches" in an "ever-evolving landscape". Memos speak of "weaving a tapestry of collaboration" as if business were an art installation. Colleagues who once sent brief, grammatically flawed messages now produce prose that channels some inner Charles Dickens.

We recently received an email from a prominent regional personality, who more often than not sent jumbled messages that took a team effort to decipher, greeting us with "Dearest esteemed Mojo team, I do hope this missive finds you in the finest of spirits."

While amusing, this linguistic leap highlights a real problem. AI might correct grammar and expand vocabulary, but it can't replicate authentic human communication. It doesn't understand context, tone, or the subtle art of saying just enough.

Even more concerning is the growing trend of executives believing their AI-enhanced writing skills can replace seasoned communication professionals. Just because a CEO can now craft a grammatically correct memo, albeit it with the dreaded 'fostering', doesn't mean they understand the nuances of corporate messaging or brand voice. There's a reason communication teams and agencies exist, and it goes far beyond just stringing sentences together.

Professional communicators bring a deep understanding of company culture, brand identity, and stakeholder expectations to their work. They know when to be formal and when a touch of humour is appropriate. They can navigate sensitive topics with tact and translate complex ideas into accessible language. These skills aren't easily replicated by AI, no matter how sophisticated.

The message to overeager executives? Stick to your day job. Appreciate the value your communication team brings and use AI as a tool to enhance their work, not replace it. In fact, your communications professionals are more essential than ever in this AI-driven world, helping to maintain authenticity and strategic alignment in your messaging.

AI tools risk homogenizing our individual voices. In trying to sound more 'professional' or 'eloquent', we lose the diversity of expression that makes global teams so valuable. A slightly imperfect but genuine message often connects better than flawless but soulless prose.

That's not to say AI writing assistants are without merit. They can be invaluable for those navigating a second or third language, offering suggestions and corrections. But they should enhance our communication, not replace our voices, our thinking, or our skilled professionals.

So rather than let AI tools flatten our communication into a sea of bland, cookie-cutter messages, let's apply their use as aids rather than crutches, to maintain personality and real human perspective.

Effective communication isn't about linguistic acrobatics or perfect grammar. It's about connecting, sharing ideas, and being understood. Sometimes, that means embracing our imperfections and letting our true voices shine through – occasional quirks and all. And often, it means trusting the professionals who've honed their craft to deliver messages that truly resonate.