The Language of AI Is Breaking Trust: Here's How to Fix It

AI Hype Is Everywhere—but the Human Conversation Is Missing

In this live session of The Undisruptible Woman, Margaret Spence unpacks a hard truth: the way we talk about AI is failing the very people we need most—our frontline workforce.

While corporate leaders celebrate AI as the next great productivity leap, workers are hearing a different message: "You're replaceable."

This conversation digs deep into why vague messaging about "transformation" and "unlocking potential" isn't inspiring—it's alienating.

Drawing a clear line between upskilling (AI enhances your current job) and reskilling (AI replaces your job), Margaret outlines how employers can fix the conversation—and how employees can take ownership of their future.

If you're leading talent development, managing people, or just trying to keep your career from being automated out of existence, this article is your reality check—and your roadmap.

Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash

When AI Sounds Like a Pink Slip

The biggest mistake companies make when rolling out AI isn't the tech—it's the message.

Across industries, leaders are excited to tout the benefits of AI:

• "It will revolutionize our workflows."

• "It's going to make us more efficient."

• "It's the future."

But when frontline employees hear this, it doesn't feel like innovation. It feels like elimination.

Phrases like "AI will transform your career" land as "Your career isn't needed anymore."

This disconnect creates:

• Resistance to training and adoption

• Fear-fueled disengagement

• A breakdown in trust between employer and employee

Instead of rallying the workforce, these announcements trigger silent panic.

The Jargon Trap: When Friendly Words Still Miss the Point

Trying to "soften" the message only deepens the divide.

After initial pushback, many organizations shift their language. They stop saying "AI is the future" and start saying things like:

• "Don't get left behind."

• "Stay ahead of the curve."

• "Unlock your potential."

It sounds supportive, but it still fails.

Here's why:

• It doesn't answer the fundamental question: What will happen to my job?

• It assumes excitement where there's uncertainty.

• It uses vague language that obscures reality instead of building trust

If you tell workers "change is coming" but can't explain how they'll succeed, they'll prepare to be excluded, not empowered.

The New Conversation: Speak Clearly. Train Relentlessly. Lead Honestly.

There's a better way to talk about AI—and build real buy-in.

We don't need shinier slogans. We need grounded, honest communication. That starts with reframing the entire conversation about AI.

For Employers and HR Leaders:

• Don't say: "AI will transform your job."

• Say: "Here's what we expect to change—and here's how we'll help you adapt."

• Don't say: "Stay ahead of the curve."

• Say: "Let's build the skills that will be in demand five years from now."

• Differentiate reskilling and upskilling in your learning programs. Most workers don't know the difference, but it defines their path.

• Avoid toxic phrasing. Words like "maximize productivity" feel like code for layoffs. Choose a language that respects contributions and invites growth.

• Invest visibly in training. If people don't see the budget, support, and time set aside for their development, they'll assume they're not part of the future.

For Frontline Employees and Career Builders:

• Don't wait for your company to save you.

  • Ask: Is my role being upskilled or reskilled?

  • Then: What do I need to learn—and where can I start?

• Learn enough about AI to ask good questions. You don't have to master it; you must understand how it affects your work.

• Stop fearing change. Start owning your path.

• This isn't about tech. It's about your future relevance.

We Can't Automate Trust. We Have to Build It.

AI isn't the enemy. Poor communication is.

Workers are caught between fear of being replaced and frustration at being left out of the conversation. Employers are caught between rapid AI deployment and slow human engagement. Both lose when trust breaks down.

But we can do this differently.

We can:

• Speak honestly about the disruption.

• Respect workers' intelligence

• Equip people with tools, not slogans.

• Let employees lead their learning journey.

AI is rewriting the workplace. How we talk about it will determine who comes with us.

Let's ensure no one is left behind because we were too afraid to be clear.

🗣️ Join the conversation:

Are you hearing fear, confusion, or opportunity when AI comes up in your workplace? Comment below, or share your story.