A funny thing happens when humans interact with AI—they start talking like robots. You might think it’s ironic, given how much suspicion there is around AI taking over human jobs or changing the way we live. But the reality is, when faced with a piece of advanced technology, many of us revert to our most basic, stiff communication patterns, almost as if we’re trying to meet the machine on its own terms.

Let me give you an example. Imagine asking AI to write five Instagram posts. You get results, but they're flat and uninspired. Now, imagine doing the same thing, but with a twist—introduce yourself, adding some personality, and interact as if you're speaking to a new team member. The difference is night and day. Why?

Because you brought humanity into the conversation.

If you've ever caught yourself sounding like a robot while chatting with AI, don't be too self-conscious. It's more common than you think—and it's been happening to professionals learning new skills long before AI came on the scene.

Human Tendency to Be Robotic

I’ve spent fifteen years teaching innovation at Stanford, working with both students and professionals. One thing I’ve observed consistently is how learners—especially when they’re focused on achieving a specific outcome—tend to become robotic. Whether it’s during user interviews or while delivering a perfectly-scripted presentation, there’s a noticeable stiffness that creeps in. It’s almost as if the goal of “getting it right” takes precedence over being human.

This isn’t just a problem limited to AI interactions. It’s something I’ve seen in countless learners. And it’s a behavior that can hinder creativity, collaboration, and, frankly, effective communication.

So, here’s a simple piece of advice: if you're wondering what to say next, simply ask yourself, "What would a human being say?" And then say that. This simple shift can make a huge difference—not just in innovation work, but in your interactions with AI as well.

The Importance of Humanity in AI Interactions

During a recent Beyond the Prompt interview, Jenny Nicholson highlighted something that really struck a chord with me: bringing humanity into AI interactions isn’t just nice to have—it’s a requirement. She astutely pointed out that the only truly new element in any AI interaction is the particular human’s input—your experiences, thoughts, and personality.

As Jenny put it, “It's helping people realize that (they have to bring their humanity to the conversation) is a non-negotiable. What is in the model is what is in the model... The only thing that is quote unquote new is anything that you bring.” This underscores the point that AI can only work with what you give it — after all, every interaction starts with the human prompt — and the more you bring your humanity into the mix, and continue to contribute your humanity to the mix, the more powerful and relevant the model’s ultimate output will be.

Practical Tips to Bring Humanity into AI

Now, how do we ensure that we’re bringing our full humanity into AI interactions? Here are a few tips that I’ve found particularly effective:

- Interrupt Like a Human: Don’t be afraid to interrupt AI. Just like in human conversation, excitement and spontaneity often lead to better outcomes. If you have a sudden thought or idea, throw it into the mix—you might be surprised at the results.

- Interact More: Treat AI like a conversation partner. Don’t settle for the first response—engage, question, critique, and refine until you get something truly valuable. The process of back-and-forth is where the magic happens. Effective collaboration with AI is all about keeping the conversation going. This idea, which Kian Gohar and I explore in our research paper “More Chat, Less Bot,” (recently featured in HBR’s “Best of GenAI” issue!) highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue with AI—don’t treat it as a one-and-done prompt-response.

- Babble: Don’t be afraid to babble or sound dumb when interacting with AI. You don’t need to have all your thoughts perfectly in order. The process of speaking them out can lead to surprising insights and better results. For more on this idea, check out my post, "Lose Your Thumbs, Find Your Voice," where I explore how bypassing the communication bottleneck of our fingers can unlock more natural and effective communication with AI.

Conclusion:

In the end, the quality of your AI interaction is only as good as the humanity you bring to it. Whether you’re asking for help with social media posts or trying to solve a complex business problem, your input—personality, engagement, and interaction—makes all the difference.

How much attention have you given to your conversational skills with AI? It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot.

If you’re interested in taking your AI interactions to the next level, I invite you to register for my AI learning sequence via email. It’s designed for the “learning metabolism” of professional learners—not an overwhelming all-encompassing “perfect prompt pdf packet,” but a digestible series of drills that provide just enough new knowledge to motivate daily action, and are bite-sized enough to prevent excuses.

Related: Lose Your Thumbs, Find Your Voice
Related: The Problem with Human x AI Collaboration
Related: AI Learning Sequence
Related: ​Beyond the Prompt: Jenny Nicholson

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