The evolution of technology has given us the ability to do the impossible, in both our personal and professional lives.

We are doing things today that were impossible two years ago, such as generating content with artificial intelligence.

But while we live in an increasingly technological world, we also live in a human world, as I reference frequently. No matter how digitally advanced processes become, business growth relies on building relationships with our customers, business partners, and employees.

In a recent Opportunity Hour: Conversations with the Masters, I spoke with Terry Brock, a longtime friend of mine, about using technological advancements like AI to build relationships with important stakeholders.

As I go through some of these technology tools and how Terry and I see them benefiting personal and professional relationships, I encourage you to keep your opportunity antennae up. Anticipatory business leaders are always looking to the future of technology, evaluating where it is today and anticipating where it is headed tomorrow. Remember: If it can be done, it will be done, and if you don’t do it, someone else will!

Harnessing Technology for Human Connection

Traditionally, many people view technology as a relationship destroyer. You have likely heard individuals saying, “Everyone is always on their phone,” or “No one knows how to have a real conversation anymore.” This is often because users are not thinking about how to use technology to increase collaboration and communication for a more connected world.

In the way of human communication and relationship building, the key is to use technology strategically and think critically about it. Specifically, text, email, and video call software are designed for communication purposes, but by using these tools in the right way, you are able to build favorable relationships. Let’s explore six more critically:

Loom — Loom is a software that allows for sharing quick video content. Video is a great way to connect with others on a human level, though some individuals cannot always attend live video meetings. Making quick videos is more personal than email, as it allows you to capture the many important yet subtle elements of communication that emails and texts do not. This includes tone, facial expressions, and hand movements. On a professional level, this software is great for those in a sales, marketing, or support capacity.

Descript — With Descript, you record a video, and the application essentially edits it for quality. As you edit the transcription, Descript will alter the recording to reflect the edits in your own voice. This is ideal for cleaning up a quickly recorded video to achieve a more professional tone, enhancing effective communication in every way. Changing a phrase or eliminating filler words is made simple here.

Text-to-Text Generative AI — Generative AI has come a long way in the past few years with the introduction of ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and several others. This type of AI application will only continue to grow and become more sophisticated — an undeniable Hard Trend. This is a more text-based way to streamline effective communication and aid in research. However, we must leverage it to become more knowledgeable as human beings, checking generative AI’s work to make sure the content created is authentic.

MotionIt AI — Similar to text-to-text generative AI, you give MotionIt a prompt, and it will generate content. However, instead of merely text content, MotionIt will create a sophisticated PowerPoint presentation with text, images, and graphics. Simplifying the creation of a slideshow will allow you to focus on making your presentation more engaging and dynamic.

Canva and Tome — Canva and Tome are text-to-image tools, where you tell the application what you want in a design, and it generates an image based off of the information you provided. The great thing about these tools is that the image is completely new and unique from anything else out there. You own all the intellectual property, and it is more of a design partnership between you and the AI application. You describe your idea in as much detail as possible to easily produce effective graphic communication.

ElevenLabs — ElevenLabs is a text-to-voice AI generator. The software will say text you have written in different voices with different inflections, essentially creating an authentic voiceover. It’s ideal for tailoring your content to different demographics or locations to help personalize connections with individuals or customers in those areas. In this case, AI is helping us be culturally effective in our communication efforts when it is hard to do so. 

Find the Opportunity and Embrace It

The thing to remember about any form of generative AI or other digital advancement in communication is that you still need to think of it as your first draft. It will get you 85% to your final result very quickly, but the magic is not in that first 85%. This is where the human side of digital technology comes into play!

A machine may be able to accomplish a task, and that machine may do it in ways you never before thought possible. However, what a machine does not have is intent. Digital technology is a tool — it does not care that you have a presentation to make or a relationship to develop with someone else. You use technology, as technology is not sentient and does not think for itself.

The human element is what effectively builds lasting, meaningful relationships both professionally and personally. And further, with regard to generative AI and communication, not everything AI generates will be completely accurate. You need to put in the effort to check sources.

As you explore the transformative potential of AI in building meaningful relationships, don't miss out on deeper insights and strategic guidance. Download Daniel Burrus' comprehensive AI Strategy Report at www.aiStrategyReport.com to stay ahead of the curve and harness the full power of AI for your personal and professional growth. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the future of technology and relationships effectively.