A crowd-pleasing moment unfolded at the Kansas City Art Institute’s commencement ceremony when fashion designer Jeremy Scott took to the stage, only to rip up a speech written by AI. The audience’s roar of approval was a stark rebuke to the perceived clichés of automated content.
Scott, known for his work as the creative director of Moschino, was presented with a generic commencement speech, crafted by a generative AI. The speech followed a predictable template, filled with trite phrases and overused motivational clichés. Scott, however, was unimpressed.
With a flourish, he ripped up the speech, and the audience erupted into applause. Scott then took the opportunity to deliver his own, impromptu, and genuinely heartfelt message to the graduates. His words were authentic, and his passion was palpable.
The Pitfalls of Automated Content
The incident highlights the limitations of relying on AI-generated content, particularly in situations where authenticity and originality are crucial. Generative AI can create passable, but unremarkable, writing, lacking the nuance and emotional depth that a human touch brings.
In a world where AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent, Scott’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of human connection and creativity. His willingness to challenge the status quo and speak from the heart resonated with the graduates and the audience.
The Power of Authenticity
Scott’s spontaneous speech was a testament to the power of authenticity in communication. In an era where robots can write, it’s the human touch that sets us apart. By embracing imperfection and vulnerability, Scott created a moment that will be remembered long after the ceremony is over.
What this means is that, as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, we must prioritize authenticity and originality in our communication. Whether it’s a speech, a blog post, or a social media update, it’s the human element that makes it relatable and engaging.
A New Standard for Commencement Speeches?
Scott’s gesture might just set a new standard for commencement speeches, one that emphasizes the importance of human connection and creativity. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it’s up to us to redefine what makes a speech truly memorable – and it’s not a template or a script, but a genuine, heartfelt message from the heart.



