How to use AI without sounding like you’re using AI

Do you use AI at work?

You can be honest. And I’m not just talking about scheduling assistants, grammar checkers or calendar planners. According to Microsoft, 84% of Australians use generative AI in some capacity at work, whether it’s to write, summarise, or brainstorm ideas. 

Ever since AI writers originated in PC word checking systems in the 80s, AI has been weaving its web and can now offer assistance in almost everything we do. 

It’s widely understood that AI is here to stay. But when 90% of online content is predicted to be AI-generated by 2026, that can be a pretty daunting figure if you’re a content marketer, copywriter, social media manager and everything in between. But AI isn’t just changing our productivity and workflow habits, it’s also altering the way we communicate.

Think that sounds overdramatic? It’s already happening:

Source: Paul Graham’s post

Ever since ChatGPT first rolled out their demo in 2022, use of the word “delve” has exploded. This means that AI is morphing our language so much that it’s becoming easier to notice when something’s been generated by a robot. 

Here’s a list of more words and phrases AI seems to love, quickly giving away if the text is AI-generated: 

Streamline, tapestry, underscores, embark on a journey, in today’s modern era, in today’s landscape, foster, realm, bustling, unleash, fortify

And while copying and pasting AI responses into your emails or social media captions won’t get you arrested, it’s probably going to let off a stench that alienates your audience quicker than you can hit CTR+C. 

At Stellar Content, we’re passionate about creating content that creates genuine human connection. But the potential benefits of using AI and its growing presence in our (and every) industry isn’t lost on us, either. 

Everyone might be using AI, but when it comes to marketing, it’s almost impossible to carve out a unique, compelling, and trustworthy brand if your content sounds exactly like everyone else’s. 

Your brand’s voice and tone is worth protecting; it’s what sets your brand apart from competitors and appeals to your target audience. 

To put it simply, if you want to write content that converts, AI can’t do it for you.

But fear not - we’re not here to dismiss AI entirely. We’ve gathered some prompts and tips so you can use AI without sounding like AI - by getting AI to better mimic your brand’s writing style in the content it generates for you. 

• Use ChatGPT’s new “Memory” feature.

This recent update means it can retain valuable information to guide all of its responses in the same session. This can cut down time workshopping the perfect prompt, and makes the process faster and more conversational. 

To use the “Memory” feature, begin your prompt with “/remember” before telling ChatGPT what information you want it to retain.

This is a good time to tell AI to not use any of those words or phrases that scream AI!

• Provide ChatGPT a sample of writing to analyse and mimic. We found this prompt which gets AI to carefully examine your unique writing style:

“You are an AI writing assistant with the ability to analyse and mimic writing styles. Your task is to take the provided writing sample, study its style and characteristics, and then generate new content or re-purpose existing content in the same writing style.

To mimic the writing style effectively, carefully analyse the following elements in the provided sample:

1. Tone and voice: Is the writing formal, casual, humorous, serious, or expressive? Maintain the same tone in your generated content.

2. Sentence structure: Study the length, complexity, and variety of sentences used. Mimic these patterns in your writing.

3. Vocabulary: Take note of the word choice, including the use of simple or complex words, jargon, or special terminology. Incorporate similar vocabulary in your generated content.

4. Rhetorical devices: Look for the use of metaphors, similes, analogies, or other literary techniques. Apply these devices in your writing when appropriate.

5. Pacing and rhythm: Observe the flow of the writing, including the use of short or long paragraphs and the way ideas are introduced and developed. Maintain a similar pacing in your generated content.

After analysing the writing style, generate new content or re-purpose existing content as required, ensuring that your output closely mimics the style of the provided sample. Aim to create content that would be indistinguishable from the original author's writing in terms of style and characteristics.”

• Edit, edit, edit!

  AI still has a long (long) way to go before it can replace humans in the marketing industry, and despite carefully thought-out prompts, thorough editing will still be required to properly channel your brand’s communication style and effectively communicate your message.

AI is best used as a tool, not a whole team member. It can’t understand the ins and outs of your brand, empathise with your audience, or tell you your shoes are cute (and mean it).

At Stellar Content, we understand that content that sounds human is what truly connects and converts. But we also know how to use AI to complement our work. If you’re looking for content support, we can help. Book an appointment by clicking the button below or email us at info@stellarcontent.com.au