AI tools that strengthen students’ communication skills

Today’s job market requires graduates with more than just strong technical knowledge. Employers are also looking for soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork. To develop these, students need opportunities to practise expressing themselves and to reflect on areas for improvement. AI can become a powerful ally in this context.

We use two tools to strengthen undergraduate social sciences and business students’ written and verbal communication. Rather than using the tools merely as correctors or assistants, we encourage students to use them to promote reflection and continuous improvement.

From automatic correction to intentional learning 

Many students use AI to correct their writing without analysing the changes it suggests, which hinders learning. To address this, we encourage students in our social sciences and government course to use QuillBot, a free application with features such as a grammar checker and a paraphrasing tool, with the latter offering rewriting suggestions tailored to each student’s style. The tool allows students to rephrase sentences, improve their style and adjust tone. 

The real learning happens when we encourage students to compare their original versions with the version adapted through the use of the tool, identifying what changed and why those adjustments improved the clarity of their message. This helps them reflect on their writing process and expand their vocabulary.

Reflectively using this tool turns writing and editing into a conscious process, fostering autonomy and self-criticism. Students appreciate this exercise, and their work shows clear improvements afterwards.

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Strengthen verbal communication skills 

In our business course, the focus is on verbal communication. Teams design a business proposal and each student presents it with an elevator pitch – a short and persuasive presentation.

To prepare, students used VirtualSpeech, a tool that uses simulation, virtual reality and AI to monitor elements such as vocal tone, tempo, eye contact and posture and provides immediate formative feedback.

You can use VirtualSpeech in the following ways:

• Online through a web browser, with access to interactive courses and exercises.
• Through virtual reality, using headsets such as Meta Quest or HTC Vive, which provide immersive environments where speakers can move freely and receive real-time feedback, such as reminders to look at the audience or to change the tone of their voice.

Although it is a paid tool, its impact on students’ confidence and performance makes it highly valuable. It also promotes autonomous practice and automated feedback, and allows users to apply communication skills across different contexts.

VirtualSpeech not only promotes technical improvement but it also boosts collaboration skills. Students review their recordings together, give peer feedback and discuss areas for improvement, which strengthens empathy, active listening and teamwork skills – essential elements of professional leadership.

Tips for using these tools effectively

Our experience shows that integrating AI into the classroom does not require a major pedagogical overhaul. To replicate this approach, we recommend the following:

1. Define a clear objective. Don’t use AI just because it’s trendy. Use it to support a specific skill (for example, writing, argumentation or verbal expression).
2. Use technology as a support, not a substitute. The goal is for students to use these tools to guide reflection and improvement, not for the tools to do the work for them.
3. Encourage self-assessment. Ask students to document their progress and compare results before and after using the tools.
4. Combine individual and group work. QuillBot works well for individual tasks, while VirtualSpeech strengthens group and collaborative learning.
5. Manage time effectively. We recommend 30- to 45-minute sessions for VirtualSpeech, which includes time for feedback from the instructor.

With the use of these tools, students not only improve their writing and speaking skills but learn to reflect on their progress and become better listeners and team players.

As instructors navigating an ever-changing sector, a key challenge is to identify the tools that genuinely support skills development, ensuring that students leave university with both the knowledge and the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in real-world professional settings.

We must continue exploring digital tools that promote more reflective, human skills that students can draw on to solve real-world challenges.

Nelly Ramírez, Gabriela Espínola and Carla Camacho are educators from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico.

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