AI for developing professional communication skills

As artificial intelligence reshapes the professional landscape, its role in communication is becoming increasingly relevant. This article explores how AI tools – often seen as technical instruments – can also support the development of essential communication skills, particularly in language learning and professional expression.

Author: Olesia Kullberg

According to the study, conducted by Technology Industries of Finland and AI Finland, job postings of Finnish tech companies mostly mention AI skills in the fields of cloud and platforms, data analytics, and software development (Headai 2025). Finnish companies see AI as an applied tool that serves to foster companies’ operations. At the same time, 57% of respondents from electronics and electrical industry companies consider communication skills critically important for business in the coming years (Teknologiateollisuus 2025). Communication skills that are often mentioned in many job postings are language proficiency, social skills, teamwork abilities, listening, observation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and giving feedback (Teknologiateollisuus 2025). Drawing the parallel between the role of AI in tech industry and the constant need for developing communication skills, could AI be an applied tool for fostering individual’s communication skills?

Current use of AI in language learning

Based on the experience from teaching English communication courses for LAB UAS and LUT students, a range of student behaviors and attitudes toward AI tools can be observed. Currently, the most noticeable and discussed trend is the misuse of generative AI, when students rely on generative AI tools to write texts of their assignments. However, when given clear guidance on the allowed and forbidden use of generative AI tools, students mostly use it correctly. A significant challenge is that many students do not dare to use AI tools at all, as they are afraid of being accused of their misuse.

Language teachers mention instructing students to use AI tools as a dictionary, proofreading tool, and conversation partner. On the other hand, many language teachers are concerned about their own lack of expertise in the field of using AI as a support tool for studying. There is an understanding of the need for development in this field, but there is often no practical plan of how it should be achieved.

Impact of AI tools on writing quality

One of the mostly discussed topics among language teachers is the impact of AI tools on the writing skills of students. Even with the lack of reliable AI detection tools, language teachers can usually notice the difference between an AI- and a student- written text, as texts heavily written by AI tend to be flawless but impersonal, using many clichés and standard phrases. Thus, the quality of the text from the technical viewpoint is excellent. However, text that lacks student’s own voice and authentic expression cannot be of excellent quality.

Another important issue to highlight is the fact that when students write under supervision (e.g. in exam halls), their writing quality is often lower than in home assignments, suggesting that AI tools are being used to improve spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and structure. The benefit that generative AI tools give is that when prompted correctly, they provide not only proofreading but also feedback and explanation of mistakes. Overall, when used correctly, AI can enhance writing quality, but it must not replace the student’s own effort.

Useful applications of AI in language learning

AI can be a valuable companion in language learning, when used appropriately. For example, studying many communication-related topics can be much more interactive and effective when realized in the form of a dialogue between an AI agent and a student. Preparing for an oral exam or simulating an interview activity provides a student with extra communication practice and instant feedback. AI can be a reading guide for a student assisting in summarizing long articles, finding the core of a publication, clarifying unfamiliar terms, and understanding the connections between what the student knows about the subject and what the new knowledge is.

To use AI effectively and ethically in language learning, students need to develop respect for their own voice in communication. With this understanding they will be able to approach a wide range of possibilities that AI tools provide to support them in their learning process. Among the most crucial AI skills for professional communication are the ability to critically evaluate AI outputs, awareness of AI limitations, and understanding of creative process where AI is not a substitute of a communicator, but a member of the team.

To conclude, AI is reshaping the professional landscape, and communication is no exception. Wise and carefully planned integration of AI tools in language and communication education provides students with more practice and interaction with study materials. Using AI in studying also allows students to develop necessary AI skills for their future successful professional communication. The key lies in balanced integration, teacher guidance, and student critical awareness.

References

Headai. 2025. What kinds of AI skills are companies looking for – and what might be missing from current recruitment, even though it shouldn’t be? Cited 2 Oct 2025. Availabe at https://www.headai.com/what-kinds-of-ai-skills-are-companies-looking-for-and-what-might-be-missing-from-current-recruitment-even-though-it-shouldnt-be/

Teknologiateollisuus. 2025. Vuorovaikutustaidot. Osaamispulssi. Cited 2 Oct 2025. Available at https://osaamispulssi.fi/osaaminen/vuorovaikutustaidot/

Author

Olesia Kullberg is a Senior Lecturer at Language Centre of LAB University of Applied Sciences. Her expertise lies in professional communication and digital pedagogical solutions.

Illustration: https://pxhere.com/fi/photo/893400 (CC0)