Leaders who lose their sense of authenticity risk losing their audience, according to Terry Szuplat, one of Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters.

Drawing on his experience writing nearly 500 speeches for Obama, Szuplat told members of Helm that effective leadership still depends on the ability to communicate in a direct and human way, even as artificial intelligence tools become more widespread.

Speaking at a private dinner with founders, he argued that technology cannot replace genuine connection. “The ability to communicate like a normal human being to other human beings is one of the most essential qualities of effective leadership,” he said.

Szuplat warned that the growing use of AI-generated content risked diluting authenticity, particularly on professional platforms. “People go to places like LinkedIn to learn, to be mentored and to connect,” he said. “But increasingly, posts are written by bots. The very thing people value is being eroded, and that risks disengagement.”

His comments come as businesses experiment with AI tools to streamline communication, marketing and content creation, raising questions about how to balance efficiency with credibility and trust.

Andreas Adamides, chief executive of Helm, said the rise of AI made human qualities more important rather than less. “AI is a powerful tool, but authenticity is what sets leaders apart,” he said. “Those who communicate with clarity, conviction and genuine connection will stand out.”

Helm’s membership includes around 400 founders whose businesses generate a combined £8bn in revenue, with average turnover of about £21m, reflecting the growing influence of scale-up companies in shaping leadership practices.

The discussion highlights a broader tension facing organisations: as communication becomes easier to automate, the value of originality and human voice may become a key differentiator for leaders seeking to engage both employees and external audiences.