Ford Saeks
Will A.I. Destroy Speaking?
How will A.I. shape the future of professional speaking?
Will it empower speakers or replace them altogether? In this episode, Ford Saeks, CSP, CPAE, dives into the seismic shift A.I. is creating in the speaking industry and reveals how you can stay ahead of the curve.
A serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience, Ford has redefined success, generating over a billion dollars in sales worldwide across industries—from start-ups to Fortune 500s. With a resume boasting ten successful companies, five books, three U.S. patents, and countless accolades, Ford’s expertise extends to AI prompt engineering. He is a sought-after trainer, guiding professionals on how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to revolutionize operations, marketing, sales, and the customer experience.
In this conversation, Ford delivers actionable insights on how A.I. can enhance—not replace—your role as a professional speaker. Tune in to learn how to future-proof your speaking career in the age of A.I.
Danger, Would be Speakers! Danger!
A.I. is not here to replace speakers but to enhance their ability to connect, grow their businesses, and create a more meaningful impact. Embracing A.I. is essential for staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Why It’s Important: In an industry built on human connection, A.I. can feel like a threat. However, it offers tools to amplify a speaker’s reach, streamline their workflow, and deepen their impact—allowing them to focus on what truly matters: delivering value and inspiring audiences.
Ford shared a powerful insight that all aspiring speakers can learn from, "A.I won't replace speakers but, but speakers who use A.I. will replace speakers who don't."
When I first saw Ford Saeks in action, I was blown away by his dynamic charm and effortless poise. On stage, Ford was a master at engaging his audience. His use of sound effects, hot buttons, and playful integration of digital tools created an atmosphere that was both entertaining and educational. He had fully embraced the digital age, leveraging tools like AI with creativity and flair—tools that helped him streamline processes and enhance his connection with his audience.
Ford doesn’t just speak about new technologies—he uses them, and it’s clear that his creative approach is powered by a curiosity and openness to growth. It reminds me of the story of the tortoise and the hare, but with a twist: What if the Hare had used AI to enhance his skills, learn from his mistakes, and get better with every race?
Innovation with A.I.
The quote attributed to Henry Ford—"If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses"—is a perfect analogy for understanding how A.I. is reshaping industries, especially public speaking. Just as Ford redefined transportation by creating a car instead of improving the horse, A.I. offers tools that go far beyond simply enhancing existing methods; it completely revolutionizes the way speakers engage with audiences and build their brands.
Instead of merely being "faster horses" in the form of improved templates or automated workflows, A.I. allows speakers to create entirely new ways of delivering value. For example, tools like custom GPTs and A.I.-generated pitch frameworks can help speakers refine their messaging, reach larger audiences, and maintain a consistent brand voice. These tools don't just save time; they empower speakers to elevate their storytelling and connect more deeply with audiences.
The lesson is clear: just as Henry Ford didn't let the limits of current demand define his vision, today's speakers should use A.I. to transcend traditional boundaries. Rather than fearing that A.I. will replace them, speakers should embrace it to enhance their craft, making their impact more profound and personal. Like Ford's car, the possibilities with A.I. are limited only by imagination.
Why A.I.'s Important
The speaking industry thrives on human connection, and the rise of A.I. can feel like a disruption. Yet, much like the ancient Chinese proverb 塞翁失馬，焉知非福 (SàiWēng ShīMǎ, YànZhī FēiFú)—'Who can say whether losing a horse, like the old Chinese farmer Sài Wēng, is truly bad or good?'—the outcome depends on how we choose to adapt and use these tools. A.I. can be a blessing if leveraged correctly, enabling speakers to amplify their reach and creativity while maintaining their human essence.
Using AI as an Interviewer to Refine Your Messaging
AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a versatile partner that can sharpen your storytelling and enhance your communication skills. One powerful way to use AI is as an interviewer, helping you rehearse for real-life conversations, media appearances, or client pitches. By simulating interviews, AI can ask thought-provoking questions, challenge your assumptions, and uncover gaps in your messaging. Whether you're preparing for a podcast, a sales call, or a keynote speech, AI can provide the structure and feedback you need to refine your ideas and boost your confidence.
Imagine AI as a curious podcast host, a skeptical audience member, or a supportive mentor. Each scenario brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth. For instance, practicing with a skeptical AI interviewer allows you to hone responses to objections, while working with a friendly AI coach helps you craft compelling personal stories. The result? You’ll be better prepared, more engaging, and equipped to communicate your value with clarity and impact.
Embracing A.I. like an ultra marathon
Adopting A.I. is like an ultramarathon. You need to run yoru own race. of course learning new technology requires endurance, strategy, adaptability, and a commitment to the long game. Here's an example of an unlikly Ultra Marathon runner that could parallel your future interacting with A.I.
Cliff Young, the Australian Shuffler, demonstrated the power of running his own race and defying conventional wisdom. In the 1983 Ultramarathon, he arrived with no experience in the sport but a deep understanding of his own limits. While others relied on traditional strategies, taking breaks to rest and recover, Young embraced a slow and steady shuffle, running through the night without stopping. His competitors were quick, but they needed rest, whereas Young’s endurance outlasted theirs.
By staying true to his unique strategy, Young won the race by hours, not mere minutes. His victory wasn’t about competing within the existing paradigm of speed; it was about redefining the rules of the game and achieving success through consistency and endurance. Young’s breakthrough shows that sometimes the key to success lies not in speed or perfection but in embracing your own strategy, innovating within your own capacity, and running your own race—no matter how unconventional it may seem.
The infinite game isn’t about winning once. It’s about getting better each time, competing not with others, but with your own previous version. The question is: will you choose to adapt and grow after each race, or will you get stuck in the past?
The key takeaway is that people aren’t paying for the process, they’re paying for the end result—the benefits they’ll gain. When Ford flashed that $10,000 in front of me, he emphasized that it’s not about how the work is done; it’s about the transformation they’ll experience. The process is simply a means to an end. The benefits are what they want—the time saved, the revenue generated, the impact made. So when you’re offering something, ask yourself: What is the ultimate benefit I’m delivering? It’s not about the features or the process—it’s about the end result that creates real value.
Ford's top tip for unlocking the true value of your offering lies in using a simple but powerful phrase: "Which means..." This phrase helps you shift from talking about the process to highlighting the end result—the benefit. It forces you to dig deeper and communicate the ultimate value you're providing. By focusing on the “so what that mean for you is..." you move past the features and demonstrate why someone should care. Watch the episode to see how this powerful tool can help you communicate more effectively and sell your expertise with clarity! A.I can help you clarify your benefits but you need to clearly understand this distinction to give it the prompts it needs to generate the quality questions you need.
Just like, "The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions." – Tony Robbins, the Quality of your engaement with A.I. is determined by your inputs. It is like a juicer. what you put in you get out.
Next steps with A.I.
Just like Tony Robbins says, "The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions," the quality of your engagement with A.I. is equally shaped by the inputs you provide.
Think of it like a juicer – what you put in is exactly what you get out. If you feed A.I. vague or poorly thought-out inputs, you'll get muddled, incomplete, or unhelpful responses. However, when you approach A.I. with thoughtful, specific, and well-crafted queries, you're more likely to receive insightful, actionable, and high-quality answers. Just like squeezing the best juice from fresh ingredients, the better the input you give A.I., the more refined and valuable the output will be. It’s a powerful reminder that, whether working with technology or shaping our lives, the strength of our results depends largely on how we engage with the process.
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