Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2025

Abstract

I recently turned to an interesting source to get some feedback on the way I communicate when leading meetings and speaking to large groups: artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Born into a family of fast-talking New Yorkers who don’t always wait for you to finish your thoughts before they jump in with theirs (my mom grew up in Manhattan and my dad grew up in Long Island), I recently realized that I have developed what the linguist Deborah Tannen calls a “high-involvement” conversation style, especially when I take the lead in meetings or teach my classes. I nod as other people are talking. I comment. I interject in ways that can be interpreted as impatient or rude. There is a not-always-distinguishable line between active listening and hijacking somebody else’s thoughts. Fortunately, AI recording and transcription tools have helped me recognize and curb this tendency much more efficiently than I was able to before.

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Copyright 2025 Illiniois State Bar Association. Reproduced with permission.

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