Human Connection: Stuff You Can Do That AI Can’t
- Laura Doman
- Nov 18, 2025
- 6 min read
Real connection still needs a human heart.
Ever feel like throwing in the towel when it comes to AI?
You’re not alone if you feel like the world’s obsessed with AI-generated, well, everything: creative writing, music, marketing plans, videos, and presentations (and more).
It is.
You wonder, “Do audiences even need a real human anymore?”
Short answer? Yes. More than ever.
Because no matter how advanced AI becomes, it still can’t replicate the core ingredient of powerful communication: human connection.
And if you’re someone who speaks on camera, leads meetings, gives presentations, or shows up on Zoom with clients, your humanity is your competitive advantage.
Really, your humanity – flaws, verbal gaffes, and all - is your ultimate “executive presence on camera” superpower.
Hard to believe, but it’s true.
“Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity.” — Sean Stephenson
Ever have to give a presentation when the technology goes out? Maybe it was a power shortage or a computer that decided to give up the ghost at the worst possible time.
It’s happened to me. The connections I had brought with me refused to work with the tech in the room and nothing was going to fix it in time.
So I said, “screw it!” and gave the presentation without any visual aids. Just me talking, finding humor in the situation, and interacting with the audience in a way that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
The audience loved it. And my talk was so much more impactful because I knew what I was talking about (that really helps!) and just let loose with honest-to-goodness human communications.
So let’s break down the very real, very irreplaceable abilities only a human communicator brings to the table — and why they matter for visibility, leadership, and business growth.
Here are my top 6 things that you, human being, do far far better than I. And in my opinion, always will.
AI creates content. Humans create trust.
Trust wins.
People crave the human element more than the perfect message.
1. Emotional Intelligence: The Human Signal AI Can’t Fake
But it can’t actually feel anything.
Humans communicate in a way that builds trust, empathy, and psychological safety.We connect with lived experience, not pre-trained data. And people can tell the difference.
This is why human-centered communication outperforms AI-generated content in:
· sales videos
· leadership messaging
· brand storytelling
· high-stakes presentations
· virtual meetings where nuance matters
You see, audiences don’t just hear you. They sense you. They feel that connection.
And that subtle emotional resonance is uniquely, undeniably human.
2. Real-Time Adaptability: You Can Read the Room; AI Can’t
Great presenters don’t just deliver information. They respond to real people in real time. And equipment that doesn’t work as it should! We improvise, sometimes in unexpected or humorous ways.
We humans instinctively notice:
· energy shifts
· hesitation
· confusion
· excitement
· micro-expressions
· unspoken tension
AI avatars can’t do that — not authentically and not dynamically. They’re programmed to do their job, follow predetermined pathways, and dogmatically plod on… until someone pulls the proverbial plug.
Our ability to pivot — change pace, add clarity, shift tone, crack a joke, or toss the script entirely — is a strategic advantage that drives engagement and human-to-human retention. And that’s reacting to someone because we’re engaging on some level of connection with our audience.
3. Creativity & Original Judgment: The “You” Factor
AI creates from patterns. Humans create from perspective.
Your original voice, your quirky analogies, your imagination, your lived experience — these are the raw ingredients that build a compelling personal brand.
AI can summarize. AI can replicate. AI can assemble.
But you can originate.
And originality is what gets you remembered, rebooked, and referred. Especially when you introduce your unique stories and sense of humor. That’s what helps to brand you, too!
This leads into my next point....
4. Strategic Storytelling: Humans Make People Care
Facts inform. Stories persuade.
Humans understand narrative psychology and enjoy following “the hero’s journey.” The rising tension, emotional stakes, character arcs, and catharsis — these are the things that make your message land and linger long after you finish talking.
Story-driven communication is far more effective than any AI-driven script. It stokes the imagination, fuels emotion, and brings the listener into the story itself.
How often have you thought: Eh, this program isn’t for me, only to change your mind later when the speaker mentions someone whose situation mirrors your own and you begin to consider new possibilities for yourself?
Back in early 2022, I was a speaker at VO Atlanta, the largest voiceover conference in the world. My topic was motivational in nature, based on my experience of reinventing myself years earlier from a corporate gal to a film/TV and voice actor. The message was that it’s never too late to make a career shift, especially when you can transfer your existing skills to a wholly new industry and use them in a different way.
Several people afterwards told me how the speech resonated with them, but what really struck home happened several months later. I received an email from a woman who said she’d been feeling lost in her career, was thinking of making a change, but was fearful of jumping in prematurely. She said she couldn’t get some of my personal stories out of her head and had decided that it too was “now or never” for her. She went all out in that new venture and three months later, was delighted that she had. We ended up speaking over the phone for quite some time about it and ended up becoming good friends. A win for both of us!
How that for proof that while AI can mimic story structure, it can’t live one?
5. Ethical Judgment & Leadership: AI Has No Moral Compass
This one has quite a few people worried! Blockbuster sci-fi movies revolve around themes of computers in control of all of us, with no options for compassion or even real freedom. The Terminator or The Matrix, anyone?
Human executives and entrepreneurs are making thousands of decisions every day that affect their customers, their employees, and even society at large. We’re talking ethical considerations, interpersonal dynamics, and conflict navigation, to name a few.
AI, though, has no conscience, no sense of responsibility, no implicit moral framework.Even if we were to give it one (and whose conscience would it be?!), AI really can’t evaluate emotional impact or long-term implications.
Human leaders, on the other hand, do that instinctively.
Your presence sets the tone in ways AI never can. A great leader inspires. Others bring character or personality to their brand. And despite the priority of “bottom line” profitability, most leaders of businesses are not sociopaths who deliberately intend to harm the communities and nations they serve.
6. Leadership & Inspiration: Presence Is a Human Skill
People don’t follow avatars. They follow humans with:
· vision
· emotional credibility
· lived experience
· presence
· integrity
Inspiration requires energy — real, embodied, human energy.
Your audience, clients, and team aren’t motivated by data. They’re motivated by the human delivering it.
That’s what leadership is. A visionary who inspires others. A charismatic figure who embodies others’ aspirations. A commanding presence with a clear mission who guides others towards it.
I certainly hope we don’t fall into the trap of blindly following an AI image that promises, but has no substance, no real experience – or real anything! - to back it up.
The Bottom Line
AI is a powerful tool. But it is not a replacement for human-led communication.
In the age of algorithms, automation, and AI-driven content, your humanity is your differentiator.
Your empathy is your advantage.Your presence is your currency.
So the next time you speak on camera, step into a Zoom room, or present to a client, remember:
AI can deliver information, but only YOU can deliver connection.
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I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
