Hey Creative Pros!
So I was hunting for new podcasts the other day (as one does when you have a podcast addiction), and I found this personal development show with like 200 episodes and tons of reviews. But then I read the description and... oof. It was SO obviously AI-written. Like painfully obvious. "Unlock your true potential," "elevate your business game," "unleash your superpowers" - you know, all those phrases that scream "I wrote this in 2023 and never looked back!"
The weird thing? I actually listened to the host and they're super personable and authentic! But their description made them sound like a robot. It got me thinking - how do we make sure our own content doesn't end up in that same hollow, AI-generated trap?
What You'll Learn- Why AI writing isn't "wrong" - just overused - This stuff comes from legitimate professional writing! But when everyone suddenly sounds the same... yikes
- Spot the AI lingo - Thanks to Matthew Hitcham's research (shoutout to his ChatGPT Black Magic course that Facebook-stalked me into buying)
- Write like you actually talk - Not dumbed down, just... human? There's a difference
- Add your messy human experiences - The cat-knocking-over-water moments that make content real
- Know when to sound professional vs. conversational - Because your yoga studio newsletter doesn't need to sound like a medical journal
- The Baader-Meinhof effect in action - Once you see these patterns, you'll notice them EVERYWHERE (sorry in advance)
- Embrace strategic imperfection - Sometimes the tangents and "oops" moments are what make it memorable
00:00:00 - Podcast description that inspired this episode
00:04:05 - Why AI writing isn't inherently bad (it's just everywhere)
00:06:49 - What is "AI speak" and why it's a problem
00:11:48 - Matthew's framework for spotting AI patterns
00:17:22 - The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon
00:18:14 - Technique 1: Write conversationally
00:20:52 - Technique 2: Add personal experiences (the messy ones!)
00:23:54 - Technique 3: Embrace imperfection
00:27:52 - When to use AI vs. your human brain
00:30:28 - 5-step editing process for humanizing AI content
For Content Creation:
- ChatGPT (for outlines when my brain is stuck)
- Claude (my go-to for everything writing-related)
- Voice memos (to capture how I actually talk)
The Course That Stalked Me:
- Matthew Hitcham's ChatGPT Black Magic ($19 when I got it, totally worth it)
- Tons of prompt templates in there (I've only used 3 so far, oops)
The Techniques That Work:
- Read everything aloud
- Add personal disasters
- Embrace the tangents
- Mix formal and casual based on context
- Audit your recent content - Count how many AI patterns you find
- Read everything aloud - This catches unnatural phrasing better than anything else
- Add one messy human moment - Share a specific example, even if it's embarrassing (especially if it's embarrassing)
- Test the hybrid approach - Use AI for structure, then rewrite it like you're explaining to a friend
- Test the decision framework - Consciously decide: high stakes or low? Emotional or technical? Match your approach accordingly
Look, if you're a trained writer who naturally writes formally, don't feel like you need to sound like a TikTok influencer just to avoid the AI trap. The goal is authenticity, not forced casualness. Context matters!
These tips are especially helpful for us creatives who aren't writers first - designers, photographers, video editors - who need to create content but don't have formal writing training. AI tools can be lifesavers for us, just remember to make the output sound like YOU.
Also, there's no "right" way to write. It's like cooking - there are professional chefs and then there's the rest of us who just need to feed people. And cats. Same with writing!
Resources Worth Checking Out- Matthew Hitcham's ChatGPT Black Magic course (the Facebook ads work, apparently)
- Previous episodes on prompting techniques (if you missed them)
We're rambling about AI image generation tools - and how to use them without losing your creative soul in the process.
P.S. - Once you start noticing these AI patterns, you literally can't unsee them. You're welcome/I'm sorry!
Let's Connect!
00:00:00 --> 00:00:04 Are you still doing the creative tasks that AI could handle in a fraction of the time?
00:00:04 --> 00:00:10 I used to spend four hours on tasks that now take me 30 minutes with better results.
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 That's not just efficiency, it's creative freedom. I'm Tiana and this is AI
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 for Creative Professionals.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:32
00:00:33 --> 00:00:38 If you're new here and you're just joining us, my name is Tiana and I'm a freelance
00:00:38 --> 00:00:41 podcast manager and content repurposing specialist.
00:00:41 --> 00:00:45 And I like to geek out about AI.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:49 That's why I started this podcast. In the first few episodes,
00:00:49 --> 00:00:56 we talked about what AI is, how we can use it effectively as creative professionals.
00:00:56 --> 00:01:02 Then we talked about effective prompting techniques, which is episode two.
00:01:02 --> 00:01:07 And then in the last episode, we uncovered some advanced prompting techniques
00:01:07 --> 00:01:11 that will massively improve your interactions with the AI.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:16 Definitely go back and listen to those first few episodes if you haven't already.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:22 So a couple of days ago, I was doing some research or not research,
00:01:22 --> 00:01:28 actually, I was looking for new podcasts to listen to, as I often do.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:33 I mean, I like to subscribe to a ton of podcasts and then depending on the mood,
00:01:33 --> 00:01:38 depending on what I want to learn about, issues or problems I'm dealing with,
00:01:38 --> 00:01:42 I like to tune into different perspectives and different podcasts.
00:01:43 --> 00:01:48 So I found one that's actually personal development podcasts with a ton of reviews.
00:01:48 --> 00:01:53 It's longstanding with about like 20, no, I'm sorry, 200 episodes.
00:01:53 --> 00:02:02 But then I went and read the description and it was so obvious that it was AI
00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 written. So, so, so obvious.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:12 It lacked personality and anything distinctive about the host or the topic itself.
00:02:12 --> 00:02:17 It contained phrases like unlocking your true potential.
00:02:18 --> 00:02:23 Elevating your business game, personal development game, something like that,
00:02:23 --> 00:02:26 unleashing your superpowers,
00:02:26 --> 00:02:31 you know, phrases that are definitely a sign that you wrote your description
00:02:31 --> 00:02:36 in 2023, right? and haven't revised it.
00:02:36 --> 00:02:42 You know, when you can detect those, whether they're blog posts or Instagram
00:02:42 --> 00:02:49 captions or emails that have that flawlessness about them in a grammatical way,
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 but they're kind of hollow.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:56 And yeah, they might be perfectly constructed, nothing wrong with that,
00:02:56 --> 00:03:02 but they don't offer anything memorable, nothing that really stands out.
00:03:02 --> 00:03:06 And what's interesting is that this person, I listened to their podcast,
00:03:07 --> 00:03:10 and they're very personable. They're very authentic.
00:03:11 --> 00:03:15 There's nothing that screams bland or generic or hollow about them.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:21 But it seems like, who knows, maybe it was their assistant who wrote their podcast
00:03:21 --> 00:03:27 description, or it's always my initial thought that people do not revise their
00:03:27 --> 00:03:30 old posts or their old materials. And
00:03:30 --> 00:03:35 Because that description definitely sounded like something that chat GPT would
00:03:35 --> 00:03:38 spit out like late 2022, early 2023.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:44 And it got me thinking about something really important for us as creative professionals.
00:03:44 --> 00:03:48 As these AI language tools become ubiquitous,
00:03:48 --> 00:03:56 we are facing a new challenge, which is how do we ensure our own writing and content,
00:03:56 --> 00:04:02 whether it's for ourselves or for our clients or for our companies doesn't end
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 up sounding like it was AI generated.
00:04:05 --> 00:04:09 So today, I wanted to talk about that AI speak, quote unquote,
00:04:10 --> 00:04:17 and about those language patterns that immediately signal to readers that content is AI produced.
00:04:17 --> 00:04:23 We note a little editing because it obviously lacks that unique human voice and perspective.
00:04:23 --> 00:04:28 And this really matters for all of us creative professionals because our work
00:04:28 --> 00:04:32 needs to connect emotionally and authentically with audiences,
00:04:32 --> 00:04:36 whether it's for our own brand or for our clients.
00:04:36 --> 00:04:41 As time goes on, that skill is becoming more and more valuable.
00:04:41 --> 00:04:45 It doesn't matter if you're writing marketing copies, social media posts,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:51 blog posts, website copy, newsletters, or any form of written communication.
00:04:52 --> 00:04:55 And look, let me be clear about something right up front.
00:04:55 --> 00:05:01 There's nothing inherently wrong with the way AI writes, because it's actually
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 modeled after professional writing.
00:05:03 --> 00:05:07 All that data it's trained on includes articles, documentation.
00:05:08 --> 00:05:14 Research papers, books that are obviously written by skilled human writers.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:20 It follows a certain structure. It's not bad writing at all.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:27 But, and this is a big but, when everyone suddenly starts producing content
00:05:27 --> 00:05:32 that sounds like it was written by the same person, well, that's when it becomes a problem.
00:05:32 --> 00:05:39 Especially when people who never wrote like that are suddenly publishing perfect, formal prose.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 It sticks out, and not in a good way.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:50 So recently, I bought a course about a two or three weeks ago called Black,
00:05:50 --> 00:05:56 no, ChatGPT Black Magic by a guy called Matthew Hitchum from Instagram.
00:05:56 --> 00:06:01 And actually, his Facebook ad stalked me for a while. And I was like,
00:06:01 --> 00:06:04 okay, let me just grab this course and see what it's all about,
00:06:04 --> 00:06:08 because it seemed like he had some really good prompts in there.
00:06:08 --> 00:06:15 And he's definitely done some fascinating research identifying those specific
00:06:15 --> 00:06:20 AI language patterns, I really need to go through the course...
00:06:20 --> 00:06:27 Or to released prompt templates because there are so many and I've only used
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 three, which were great, but there's a ton in here.
00:06:31 --> 00:06:36 I really recommend getting the prompts. I think they're about 15 or 19 bucks.
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 When I got them, there were 19, totally worth the price.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:45 And I think he regularly updates with new prompts. So that's kind of cool.
00:06:46 --> 00:06:49 Anyways, let's dig into this specifically important topic.
00:06:51 --> 00:06:55 So what exactly is AI Speak and why is it becoming such a problem?
00:06:56 --> 00:07:01 AI Speak refers to those distinct patterns of language that have become characteristic
00:07:01 --> 00:07:06 of content generated by large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and others.
00:07:07 --> 00:07:11 It's a style that technically meets all the requirements of good writing.
00:07:11 --> 00:07:16 It's grammatically correct, logically structured, informative,
00:07:16 --> 00:07:24 but somehow lacks the spark, personality, and the distinct voice of human writing.
00:07:24 --> 00:07:30 We noticed this phenomenon in early 2023, when AI writing tools really started to go mainstream.
00:07:31 --> 00:07:35 And suddenly, we could see these similar patterns showing up everywhere,
00:07:36 --> 00:07:41 like everywhere in marketing emails, blog posts, even supposedly personal messages from brands.
00:07:42 --> 00:07:46 It was like the internet was slowly filled with content that all sounded like
00:07:46 --> 00:07:51 it was written by some extremely polite, slightly detached entity.
00:07:52 --> 00:07:57 And here's what's weird. A lot of this formal, structured writing would actually
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 be perfectly fine in certain contexts.
00:07:59 --> 00:08:03 Like if you're writing an academic paper or technical document,
00:08:03 --> 00:08:06 that's exactly how you're supposed to write.
00:08:06 --> 00:08:11 The problem isn't the style itself. It's that suddenly everyone's yoga shop
00:08:11 --> 00:08:15 and dog walking service are sending emails that sound like they were written
00:08:15 --> 00:08:18 for a medical journal, for example.
00:08:18 --> 00:08:24 So here's what makes this problematic. The thing is that the more and more content
00:08:24 --> 00:08:30 is generated by AI tools, it's really getting harder and harder to stand out.
00:08:30 --> 00:08:35 Because when everyone is using the same systems trained on similar data,
00:08:35 --> 00:08:39 we basically end up with a homogenized language and ideas.
00:08:39 --> 00:08:44 And it's kind of like if every restaurant in town suddenly started using the
00:08:44 --> 00:08:48 same recipe book. Like, yeah, technically the food might be fine,
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 but it would all start tasting the same.
00:08:51 --> 00:08:56 Notice when you receive emails from like skincare brand companies,
00:08:57 --> 00:09:03 for example, and you see these elaborate phrases like embark on a journey to
00:09:03 --> 00:09:10 radiant skin or we're thrilled to unveil our revolutionary new serum.
00:09:10 --> 00:09:17 Like you can almost already tell that it's AI generated. Let me share some more examples of AI speak.
00:09:18 --> 00:09:23 I bet you're familiar with this one. In today's fast-paced digital landscape,
00:09:23 --> 00:09:29 professionals are constantly seeking innovative approaches to optimize their workflow efficiency.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:35 Here's another one. As we delve into the intricacies of effective time management,
00:09:35 --> 00:09:41 it's crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of productivity in our modern world. Okay.
00:09:42 --> 00:09:46 I mean, do humans really talk like this? Well, not really.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:50 Or here's an excerpt from an email from a software company.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:54 We're excited to announce our revolutionary new feature that will fundamentally
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 transform your user experience.
00:09:57 --> 00:10:01 Our team has worked tirelessly to create this innovative solution designed to
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 address the pain points you've been experiencing.
00:10:04 --> 00:10:07 So why does this happen that we get to see these phrases all over?
00:10:08 --> 00:10:13 It's because AI models are trained on vast data sets of text from the internet,
00:10:13 --> 00:10:16 which means they learn common patterns and phrases.
00:10:17 --> 00:10:22 And then they tend to generate content that represents an average of aggregation
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 of what they've been trained on.
00:10:24 --> 00:10:29 And second, when everyone uses the same AI tools with similar prompting techniques,
00:10:29 --> 00:10:34 we then end up with content that follows the same templates and patterns and formulas.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:39 So this becomes a real problem for us creative professionals because our value
00:10:39 --> 00:10:41 lies in our distinctiveness.
00:10:43 --> 00:10:50 I mentioned Matthew's ChatGPT Blackmagic course, and his really amazing frameworks
00:10:50 --> 00:10:55 that I need to test out myself, because I've only tested out three.
00:10:55 --> 00:11:00 But I've already seen how useful they've been when I was trying to rewrite some articles.
00:11:01 --> 00:11:06 And yeah, before I get into this, I think it's super important that we establish
00:11:06 --> 00:11:10 that these patterns aren't bad writing in themselves, right?
00:11:10 --> 00:11:15 Because most of them come from perfectly legitimate professional writing styles.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:21 These constructions are not incorrect or inappropriate even in certain contexts.
00:11:21 --> 00:11:25 But the problem is, as I mentioned, when they become so overused,
00:11:25 --> 00:11:29 and honestly, if you're a trained writer or journalist, you might naturally
00:11:29 --> 00:11:32 use some of these patterns yourself. And that's totally fine.
00:11:33 --> 00:11:39 Like, the point is not to dumb down your writing or avoid sophisticated language.
00:11:40 --> 00:11:44 It's about being conscious of whether you're writing in your authentic style
00:11:44 --> 00:11:49 or unconsciously adopting this homogenized AI style.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:54 Okay, so let's start with some of the frameworks. First one being elegant variations.
00:11:55 --> 00:11:59 These are fancy ways of saying simple things, often to avoid repetition,
00:11:59 --> 00:12:01 because AI models hate repetition.
00:12:01 --> 00:12:05 And so they constantly reach for synonyms or alternative phrasings,
00:12:06 --> 00:12:08 even when simple repetition would have been just fine.
00:12:09 --> 00:12:16 Some classic examples are delve into, embark on a journey, gain a deeper understanding.
00:12:16 --> 00:12:20 Shed light on, navigate the complexities of.
00:12:20 --> 00:12:25 So it's kind of like instead of just saying, for example, learn how to use our
00:12:25 --> 00:12:32 product, it would say embark on a comprehensive exploration of our product's capabilities. Hmm.
00:12:33 --> 00:12:39 Yeah, like who actually talks like that? I mean, it's wildly unnatural in this context, right?
00:12:39 --> 00:12:44 Then there are those unnecessary intensifiers, the words that AI loves to sprinkle
00:12:44 --> 00:12:47 in throughout the text to make the point seem more impactful,
00:12:47 --> 00:12:51 which are like incredibly, absolutely, fundamentally, truly,
00:12:51 --> 00:12:52 significantly, drastically.
00:12:53 --> 00:12:57 Then there are those cookie-cutter transitions, those predictable phrases that
00:12:57 --> 00:13:03 AI uses between sections or ideas, Like, let's dive in without further ado.
00:13:03 --> 00:13:08 Now let's explore. Let's take a closer look at moving on to our next point.
00:13:08 --> 00:13:12 These are not necessarily bad in isolation, but they've become so common in
00:13:12 --> 00:13:17 AI-generated content that they immediately raise red flags for readers.
00:13:17 --> 00:13:21 Wait, did I just use let's dive in earlier in this episode?
00:13:21 --> 00:13:25 Shoot, I totally did. You see how these phrases creep into our language?
00:13:26 --> 00:13:29 I mean, I'm as guilty as anyone else. But at least when I say it,
00:13:29 --> 00:13:34 it's because I actually talk that way, not because I'm following some formulaic template.
00:13:34 --> 00:13:39 Or, well, actually, that's not entirely true. I probably picked up that phrase from somewhere.
00:13:40 --> 00:13:42 I mean, it's everywhere. But you get what I mean.
00:13:43 --> 00:13:49 Like, did you notice that most of us started using these phrases in our day-to-day communication?
00:13:49 --> 00:13:56 I find it so fascinating that when I listen to some podcasts or watch some YouTube videos,
00:13:56 --> 00:14:01 I notice that people unintentionally subconsciously start using these phrases
00:14:01 --> 00:14:06 and it's so obvious how easily we pick up what we consume.
00:14:06 --> 00:14:11 Let's go to the next ones. We have those expressions of excitement that are
00:14:11 --> 00:14:16 overly enthusiastic, like, I'm excited to share. I'm thrilled to announce.
00:14:16 --> 00:14:18 We are delighted to introduce.
00:14:19 --> 00:14:25 We couldn't be more pleased to present. And you can see these in marketing emails all the time.
00:14:25 --> 00:14:31 Instead of them specifically telling you why you should care about the new product
00:14:31 --> 00:14:35 or new feature, they just assert that they're excited about it.
00:14:35 --> 00:14:40 And then there are the redundant qualifiers, like it's important to note,
00:14:40 --> 00:14:46 it's worth mentioning, it's crucial to understand, needles to say, it goes without saying.
00:14:47 --> 00:14:52 Next, we have those corporate buzzwords, leverage, optimize.
00:14:53 --> 00:15:00 Streamline, robust, synergy, paradigm shift, value added. Oh, leverage.
00:15:00 --> 00:15:03 I love that word. Leverage.
00:15:03 --> 00:15:07 Leverage. Leverage. It makes you sound so smart when you say it.
00:15:07 --> 00:15:12 Okay, let's share some before and afters so we can kind of get a hang of these
00:15:12 --> 00:15:16 AI patterns before the AI-generated version.
00:15:16 --> 00:15:20 In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking
00:15:20 --> 00:15:24 innovative solutions to optimize their online presence.
00:15:24 --> 00:15:28 Let's delve into the fundamentals of effective content marketing strategies
00:15:28 --> 00:15:33 that can truly elevate your brand's visibility. It's important to note that
00:15:33 --> 00:15:39 creating valuable content is absolutely crucial for engaging with your target audience.
00:15:40 --> 00:15:45 And then the after version, more people find businesses online than ever before,
00:15:45 --> 00:15:49 which means your website and social content directly affects your bottom line.
00:15:49 --> 00:15:53 Good content helps the right customers find you and trust you enough to buy.
00:15:54 --> 00:15:58 Here's what works now based on what I've seen with my own clients.
00:15:58 --> 00:16:04 You can notice how this revised version is more direct, specific and conversational.
00:16:05 --> 00:16:08 It actually sounds like something a real person would say to you.
00:16:08 --> 00:16:11 But again, here's an important nuance.
00:16:11 --> 00:16:16 And in some contexts, a more formal style is actually appropriate.
00:16:16 --> 00:16:22 Like if you're writing an academic paper, a legal document, certain types of
00:16:22 --> 00:16:26 business documentation, formality isn't a problem.
00:16:26 --> 00:16:33 The issue is when this formal style shows up in contexts where a more personal
00:16:33 --> 00:16:37 conversational approach would be more effective, like marketing emails.
00:16:38 --> 00:16:40 Social media posts, or blog content.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:45 Oh, and another thing, if you are actually a trained professional writer who
00:16:45 --> 00:16:48 naturally writes in a more formal,
00:16:49 --> 00:16:54 structured way, don't feel like you need to necessarily dumb down your writing
00:16:54 --> 00:16:56 just to avoid sounding like AI.
00:16:56 --> 00:17:00 The key here is authenticity and actually writing in a way that's true to your
00:17:00 --> 00:17:05 voice and appropriate for the context and for the clients you're writing for.
00:17:05 --> 00:17:11 What all of us creative professionals need to do is become aware of these patterns
00:17:11 --> 00:17:16 in our own writing, especially if we're using AI tools to assist with content
00:17:16 --> 00:17:19 creation, which I guess most of us are, right?
00:17:19 --> 00:17:23 Because once you start noticing these patterns, you'll suddenly see them everywhere.
00:17:23 --> 00:17:29 What's the name of that effect when you suddenly start noticing new things you learn everywhere?
00:17:30 --> 00:17:34 Let me try to pull it up. Oh yeah, it's the Bader-Meinhof phenomenon,
00:17:34 --> 00:17:38 also known as the frequency illusion or recency illusion.
00:17:38 --> 00:17:45 It's a cognitive bias where you perceive a new concept or object as more frequent than it actually is.
00:17:46 --> 00:17:50 This happens because your brain is now actively paying attention to that specific
00:17:50 --> 00:17:54 thing, and you're more likely to notice when it appears.
00:17:54 --> 00:17:57 Once you learn something new, your brain starts to pay more attention to it.
00:17:57 --> 00:18:01 Your attention is focused on the new information, making you more likely to
00:18:01 --> 00:18:04 notice it when you encounter it in your surroundings.
00:18:04 --> 00:18:09 Yeah, so that's exactly it. So we start noticing these patterns everywhere.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:13 And that's good for us because we'll be better equipped to edit them out of
00:18:13 --> 00:18:16 our own content if they don't serve the purpose.
00:18:17 --> 00:18:23 Okay, now that we've identified those common patterns that make writing sound
00:18:23 --> 00:18:28 AI generated, let's talk about some specific techniques that can help us create
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 more authentic content.
00:18:29 --> 00:18:36 And I want to point out again and again that the goal is not to avoid sophisticated
00:18:36 --> 00:18:41 language. The whole point is that the content you write connects with the audience
00:18:41 --> 00:18:43 in the way you intend it to.
00:18:43 --> 00:18:46 Sometimes that means you should embrace a more conversational tone,
00:18:47 --> 00:18:50 especially for marketing or social media content.
00:18:50 --> 00:18:54 Other times, a more formal approach is totally appropriate.
00:18:54 --> 00:18:59 So these techniques are mostly for those of us who either, one,
00:18:59 --> 00:19:03 are not trained writers and they're using AI to help them create content,
00:19:03 --> 00:19:09 or two, are trained writers who find AI patterns creeping into their work.
00:19:09 --> 00:19:13 I mean, if you're already a skilled writer with a distinctive voice,
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 you probably don't need these tips.
00:19:16 --> 00:19:20 I mean, I bet you're not even listening to this episode, But if you are,
00:19:20 --> 00:19:24 you can still find them helpful for editing AI-assisted content.
00:19:25 --> 00:19:29 So technique number one is to write conversationally. So that's one of the simplest
00:19:29 --> 00:19:32 way to just write how you actually talk.
00:19:32 --> 00:19:37 And some practical tips for more conversational writing is to use contractions
00:19:37 --> 00:19:43 like don't, can't, we're, instead of do not, cannot, we are.
00:19:43 --> 00:19:47 You can also ask questions in your writing, even rhetorical ones.
00:19:47 --> 00:19:51 Then you can vary your sentence length and mix shorter and longer sentences.
00:19:51 --> 00:19:57 You can use the first person, I or we, and address the reader by you.
00:19:57 --> 00:19:59 So here's a simple before and after.
00:19:59 --> 00:20:05 Before. It is advisable to diversify one's investment portfolio in order to
00:20:05 --> 00:20:10 mitigate risk factors associated with marketing volatility. After.
00:20:11 --> 00:20:16 Want to worry less about market ups and downs? Spread your money across different types of investments.
00:20:16 --> 00:20:20 It's the investing equivalent of not putting all your eggs in one basket.
00:20:20 --> 00:20:24 And yes, financial advisors really do use that cliche all the time.
00:20:24 --> 00:20:28 You see how the second version sounds more like a real person giving advice
00:20:28 --> 00:20:31 and not some summary of investing textbook.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:36 But also context matters. Because if you're writing for a formal publication
00:20:36 --> 00:20:41 or a technical audience, the first version might actually be more appropriate.
00:20:42 --> 00:20:46 I mean, not everything needs to sound conversational or casual.
00:20:46 --> 00:20:52 It really boils down to matching the style to the audience and purpose.
00:20:52 --> 00:20:56 Technique number two is to add personal experience and specificity.
00:20:57 --> 00:21:02 You see, AI can't draw on personal experiences because it doesn't have any.
00:21:02 --> 00:21:07 I mean, it has hours, the ones that it has access to, but it doesn't have the
00:21:07 --> 00:21:10 ones that are in your head, at least not yet.
00:21:10 --> 00:21:15 Here are some ways you can incorporate this. You could include specific anecdotes
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 from your own experience.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:22 You can use concrete examples instead of just some general concepts.
00:21:22 --> 00:21:27 You can mention real places, real people, real dates, real events,
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 obviously where appropriate.
00:21:28 --> 00:21:34 You can add sensory details that bring scenarios to life. Here's one example.
00:21:34 --> 00:21:39 Let's say you're a copywriter who wants to promote your services on social media.
00:21:39 --> 00:21:43 Instead of writing, our strategies significantly improve conversion rates.
00:21:44 --> 00:21:48 You can write, when Jenny implemented this email sequence for her handmade jewelry
00:21:48 --> 00:21:53 store, her holiday sales increased by 32% compared to the previous year,
00:21:54 --> 00:21:56 even with a smaller advertising budget.
00:21:57 --> 00:22:01 You see how there's a big difference? Like one is a vague claim that can apply
00:22:01 --> 00:22:05 to anyone, while the other one includes specific person, specific numbers,
00:22:05 --> 00:22:07 and contextual details.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:11 Obviously, assuming that it is true and that you're not making stuff up.
00:22:11 --> 00:22:13 Here's another quick example.
00:22:13 --> 00:22:18 Before, proper preparation can enhance the effectiveness of business meetings.
00:22:18 --> 00:22:23 After. In 2022, I wasted three hours in a meeting that had no agenda,
00:22:23 --> 00:22:28 no time limit, and no clear decision maker since then i've used this 10 minute
00:22:28 --> 00:22:33 prep routine before every meeting i host and no one has given me why am i here
00:22:33 --> 00:22:37 look since you can see how the second version has specific year.
00:22:37 --> 00:22:42 Time frame and personal consequence and it definitely makes it human right this
00:22:42 --> 00:22:47 actually reminded me of something that happened about a few weeks ago i was
00:22:47 --> 00:22:50 preparing for a discovery call with a lead.
00:22:51 --> 00:22:56 And I prepare this whole presentation with pitch of my services and things like that.
00:22:56 --> 00:23:00 And I got so nervous, as I always do when I need to speak to new people,
00:23:01 --> 00:23:03 because, look, I'm very introverted.
00:23:03 --> 00:23:08 Like, it doesn't come naturally to me to be super confident out of the gate.
00:23:08 --> 00:23:13 And I always try to be overly polished in that first round of communication.
00:23:13 --> 00:23:19 And right as we were about to start, my cat knocked over a glass of water on
00:23:19 --> 00:23:22 my keyboard and made a mess and chaos.
00:23:22 --> 00:23:28 But the thing is, that funny disaster actually broke the ice because I ended
00:23:28 --> 00:23:32 up being much more relaxed and we had a totally productive conversation.
00:23:32 --> 00:23:36 So I got a bit off track here. But my point with this is that when you have
00:23:36 --> 00:23:41 those little accidents that come up, it shows an example of how we actually
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 communicate with each other.
00:23:42 --> 00:23:48 We either share some personal stories, we go on tangents, we don't always stick
00:23:48 --> 00:23:51 to the topic that we're supposed to talk about.
00:23:51 --> 00:23:54 And that's the part of what makes us feel human and authentic.
00:23:54 --> 00:23:59 So that's a segue to technique three, which is embrace imperfections.
00:23:59 --> 00:24:04 Because AI-generated content usually sounds too polished or too structured.
00:24:04 --> 00:24:10 And what makes a piece engaging to you as a reader are those quirks and tangents.
00:24:10 --> 00:24:16 And also, writers don't always present information in a perfectly logical order, right?
00:24:16 --> 00:24:20 And some ways to include human imperfections in your writing are to include
00:24:20 --> 00:24:23 occasional asides or parenthetical comments.
00:24:23 --> 00:24:28 Not to overly edit your natural voice out of your writing,
00:24:28 --> 00:24:33 also to allow some playfulness and personality, obviously, where appropriate
00:24:33 --> 00:24:39 and use metaphors and analogies that reflect your unique perspective on the topic.
00:24:39 --> 00:24:43 Let's say you are working with a yoga instructor who wants to change her messaging.
00:24:43 --> 00:24:45 Here's a simple before and after example.
00:24:46 --> 00:24:50 Before. Consistency is a fundamental aspect of achieving fitness goals.
00:24:50 --> 00:24:55 After. Show up on the hard days, especially on the hard days, actually.
00:24:55 --> 00:25:01 I've never once regretted a workout, but I've regretted plenty of Netflix binges that replaced them.
00:25:02 --> 00:25:07 Technique number four, read your work aloud. This is such an obvious and simple
00:25:07 --> 00:25:10 technique, but it can really help you catch this AI sounding language.
00:25:11 --> 00:25:14 Because when you read your content out loud, you'll almost immediately start
00:25:14 --> 00:25:16 noticing those phrases.
00:25:16 --> 00:25:21 And if it feels awkward or you stumble over a sentence when you speak it out
00:25:21 --> 00:25:24 loud, that's definitely a sign that it needs to be revised.
00:25:24 --> 00:25:28 Technique number five is to develop a distinctive voice.
00:25:29 --> 00:25:34 And some ways to develop it are to identify your natural speaking patterns and
00:25:34 --> 00:25:36 incorporate them into your writing,
00:25:36 --> 00:25:41 then to develop some signature phrases or expressions that you use consistently
00:25:41 --> 00:25:46 and actually have opinions and perspectives on a topic,
00:25:46 --> 00:25:52 you can also use humor, metaphors, or references of your particular experiences
00:25:52 --> 00:25:56 and then be consistent with the level of formality or informality.
00:25:57 --> 00:26:01 You know, because sometimes content creators worry about being too much in their
00:26:01 --> 00:26:05 writing, being too casual, too funny, too opinionated.
00:26:05 --> 00:26:10 But those are the distinctive elements that make their content memorable.
00:26:10 --> 00:26:17 There's a financial blogger that uses food analogies as a way to explain complex investing topics.
00:26:18 --> 00:26:20 Here's an example of how his signature
00:26:20 --> 00:26:24 style makes his content immediately recognizable. Here's a before.
00:26:24 --> 00:26:30 Diversification is an important strategy for risk management in investment portfolios.
00:26:30 --> 00:26:36 After. Putting all your money in one stock is like bringing only hot dogs to a potluck.
00:26:36 --> 00:26:40 Sure, some people love hot dogs, but when the hot dog market crashes or people
00:26:40 --> 00:26:45 just want something different, you're stuck with nothing but hot dogs while
00:26:45 --> 00:26:47 everyone else enjoys a varied feast.
00:26:48 --> 00:26:54 And look, none of these techniques are there to trick people or to be artificially quirky.
00:26:54 --> 00:26:59 And the irony is that many of us have actually been trained to write in a way
00:26:59 --> 00:27:05 that sounds more professional, quote unquote, which now happens to align exactly with how AI writes. It's
00:27:05 --> 00:27:09 That's how we were taught in schools afterwards, in colleges,
00:27:09 --> 00:27:12 with writing essays and professional emails.
00:27:13 --> 00:27:19 And in order to reclaim our human voice, we have to kind of unlearn those formal
00:27:19 --> 00:27:24 patterns a bit that are appropriate for business or professional communication.
00:27:24 --> 00:27:29 And look, I should acknowledge, I'm making these suggestions as someone who
00:27:29 --> 00:27:31 repurposes content for a living.
00:27:31 --> 00:27:36 If you're a researcher, academic, or technical writer, many of these conversational
00:27:36 --> 00:27:41 techniques might not be appropriate for your context, and that's completely fine.
00:27:41 --> 00:27:47 What matters is the alignment between your voice and audience that you write
00:27:47 --> 00:27:52 for, not forcing everyone to have the same conversational tone, right?
00:27:54 --> 00:27:58 Now, let's talk about a practical framework for deciding when to use AI assistance
00:27:58 --> 00:28:03 with your writing versus relying entirely on your voice.
00:28:03 --> 00:28:06 First, consider the emotional importance of the content.
00:28:07 --> 00:28:12 The more emotionally resonant the content needs to be, the more human input is required.
00:28:12 --> 00:28:18 So those would be personal stories and experiences, content addressing sensitive
00:28:18 --> 00:28:24 topics, apology or crisis communications, anything requiring empathy or emotional nuance.
00:28:25 --> 00:28:29 And then AI can definitely assist in low emotional content, things like technical
00:28:29 --> 00:28:34 explanations, data summaries, basic informational content, FAQs,
00:28:35 --> 00:28:36 and knowledge-based articles.
00:28:37 --> 00:28:40 Second, you should consider the stakes of the communication.
00:28:40 --> 00:28:44 High stakes generally need more human involvement.
00:28:44 --> 00:28:49 That is core brand messaging and positioning, major announcements or launches,
00:28:49 --> 00:28:53 legal compliance-related communications, and then low-stakes content,
00:28:54 --> 00:28:58 which can be assisted with ARR, routine updates, regular newsletter content.
00:28:58 --> 00:29:05 Internal documentation, early drafts and outlines, and then social media calendar fillers.
00:29:05 --> 00:29:09 In many cases, the best approach is a hybrid one where you use AI to create
00:29:09 --> 00:29:13 a basic structure and outline and generate a first draft,
00:29:13 --> 00:29:15 but then heavily edit and rewrite
00:29:15 --> 00:29:20 with your human voice and experience by adding distinctive examples.
00:29:21 --> 00:29:22 Analogies, and perspectives.
00:29:22 --> 00:29:29 I use this hybrid approach when I want to do cold outreach or apply for jobs.
00:29:29 --> 00:29:33 I'll ask Claude to help me create an outline of the key sections I need to include,
00:29:34 --> 00:29:36 just so that I don't forget important components.
00:29:36 --> 00:29:40 But then if it's like an application that needs to be filled out,
00:29:40 --> 00:29:43 I would manually write all those answers.
00:29:43 --> 00:29:47 If there are questions like, why are you qualified for this job?
00:29:47 --> 00:29:52 What makes you a good fit? and things like that. I think in every job application,
00:29:52 --> 00:29:53 I write that differently.
00:29:53 --> 00:29:57 Yeah, that means that I do spend more time filling out those applications.
00:29:57 --> 00:30:02 But I think that's what gives you competitive advantage over people who just
00:30:02 --> 00:30:05 crank out, you know, chat GPT written cover letters.
00:30:05 --> 00:30:08 But yeah, one more thing. It's okay if you're not a professional writer.
00:30:08 --> 00:30:13 Many of us in creative fields like graphic designers, UX designers,
00:30:13 --> 00:30:17 video editors, photographers, we have the need to write content,
00:30:17 --> 00:30:20 but we don't have formal training in writing.
00:30:20 --> 00:30:25 And I think AI is specifically helpful for us non-writers who need to create
00:30:25 --> 00:30:29 decent content, but we don't have hours and hours to spend and struggle with it.
00:30:31 --> 00:30:36 Okay, so let's wrap up with a practical process for editing AI generated content
00:30:36 --> 00:30:38 to make it sound more authentic. Step one.
00:30:39 --> 00:30:44 Identify and eliminate AI patterns by scanning the content for those patterns
00:30:44 --> 00:30:47 we discussed earlier, like elegant variations.
00:30:47 --> 00:30:53 Unnecessarily complex language, overused intensifiers, generic transitions.
00:30:53 --> 00:30:57 Empty enthusiasm, corporate buzzwords, and vague assurances.
00:30:58 --> 00:31:03 Step two, add specificity and examples. Look for statements where you can add
00:31:03 --> 00:31:08 specific examples, actual numbers and data points, Names of real people,
00:31:08 --> 00:31:11 real companies and products, if appropriate.
00:31:11 --> 00:31:16 Step three, inject personality and perspective. To humanize your content,
00:31:16 --> 00:31:21 you should add actual opinions on topics and then include your personal philosophy.
00:31:22 --> 00:31:25 Mention why you agree or disagree with certain topics.
00:31:25 --> 00:31:32 Use analogies and metaphors and incorporate appropriate humor or personality quirks.
00:31:32 --> 00:31:35 Step four, restructure for conversational flow.
00:31:35 --> 00:31:39 AI tends to create very logically structured content.
00:31:39 --> 00:31:44 So to make it more human, you should vary paragraph and sentence length,
00:31:44 --> 00:31:48 add transitions that reflect how you personally connect ideas,
00:31:49 --> 00:31:54 consider opening with a story or an example rather than a general principle,
00:31:54 --> 00:32:00 include occasional questions or conversational asides, and make sure the overall
00:32:00 --> 00:32:03 flow feels natural when read aloud.
00:32:03 --> 00:32:06 Step five, remove unnecessary formality.
00:32:06 --> 00:32:11 You can do that by adding contractions, changing we are to we're,
00:32:11 --> 00:32:16 replacing formal words with everyday alternatives, for example,
00:32:16 --> 00:32:20 use instead of utilize, simplifying complex sentences.
00:32:21 --> 00:32:27 Addressing the reader directly and conversationally, and cutting out unnecessary wording.
00:32:27 --> 00:32:33 Here's an example for lawyers who write blog posts, a very formal sentence.
00:32:33 --> 00:32:38 It is advisable to ensure that all documentation is thoroughly reviewed.
00:32:38 --> 00:32:43 And here is an after. You should double check all your paperwork. Done.
00:32:44 --> 00:32:49 Like, done. You see how simple that is? It made his expertise more accessible
00:32:49 --> 00:32:53 to everyday readers without diminishing his authority, necessarily.
00:32:54 --> 00:32:58 Of course, if you're writing for an academic journal or a formal business report,
00:32:58 --> 00:33:00 you might not want to make these adjustments.
00:33:01 --> 00:33:06 I mean, context matters for sure. But if you're writing mostly marketing,
00:33:07 --> 00:33:12 social media, and general business content, this is a more approachable style
00:33:12 --> 00:33:14 that usually performs better.
00:33:15 --> 00:33:19 So there you have it. This was a comprehensive guide to maintaining your human
00:33:19 --> 00:33:22 voice in 2025 and beyond.
00:33:22 --> 00:33:28 We've covered the rise of so-called AI speak and why it's becoming a problem
00:33:28 --> 00:33:30 for creative professionals.
00:33:30 --> 00:33:35 We've explored Matthew Hitchum's framework for identifying those AI language
00:33:35 --> 00:33:40 patterns from elegant variations to empty enthusiasm to corporate buzzwords.
00:33:41 --> 00:33:45 And then we've discussed practical techniques for creating more human content,
00:33:46 --> 00:33:49 including writing conversationally, adding personal experiences,
00:33:50 --> 00:33:54 embracing imperfection, and developing your distinctive voice.
00:33:54 --> 00:34:00 We also outlined a decision framework for knowing when to use AI versus when to write yourself.
00:34:00 --> 00:34:05 And then finally, we walked through a step-by-step process for editing AI-generated
00:34:05 --> 00:34:08 content to make it sound authentic and engaging.
00:34:08 --> 00:34:13 The core message I hope you take away from this episode is that while AI writing
00:34:13 --> 00:34:19 tools can be incredibly helpful for us, for efficiency and idea generation,
00:34:19 --> 00:34:24 the point is that your unique human voice is now more valuable than ever.
00:34:24 --> 00:34:29 And it definitely becomes a competitive advantage to write in a way that's recognizably
00:34:29 --> 00:34:34 human with all our quirks, experiences, and unique perspectives.
00:34:34 --> 00:34:38 I mean, also, there's no right or wrong way to write.
00:34:39 --> 00:34:42 Like, there's no wrong or right way to cook. There are professional chefs,
00:34:42 --> 00:34:46 and then there are the rest of us who need to cook every day, regardless.
00:34:46 --> 00:34:49 With writing, I think it's similar. There are professional writers,
00:34:50 --> 00:34:50 and then there's the rest of
00:34:50 --> 00:34:55 us who also need to write, even if it's just simple messages and emails.
00:34:55 --> 00:35:00 So if you naturally write in a more formal, structured way because of your training
00:35:00 --> 00:35:06 or background, don't feel pressured to change that just to avoid sounding like AI.
00:35:06 --> 00:35:12 But if you're using AI tools to create content, be mindful of whether that content
00:35:12 --> 00:35:14 truly represents how you would express yourself.
00:35:15 --> 00:35:19 Obviously, these tools are especially helpful for those of us who don't consider
00:35:19 --> 00:35:23 ourselves writers, first and foremost. the designers, editors,
00:35:23 --> 00:35:26 photographers, and other creative professionals who need to produce written
00:35:26 --> 00:35:29 content but don't have formal writing training.
00:35:29 --> 00:35:34 For this week's action steps, I encourage you to review some of your recent
00:35:34 --> 00:35:37 content and look for any of the AA patterns we discussed.
00:35:37 --> 00:35:42 Try reading your content aloud to identify unnatural phrasing.
00:35:42 --> 00:35:46 Practice adding more specific examples and personal experiences to your writing,
00:35:46 --> 00:35:51 and then develop awareness of your natural speaking patterns and incorporate
00:35:51 --> 00:35:52 them into your written content.
00:35:53 --> 00:35:57 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
00:35:57 --> 00:36:00 and consider sharing it with other creative professionals who might benefit.
00:36:01 --> 00:36:04 In the show notes, you can also find a list of AI phrases to avoid,
00:36:04 --> 00:36:07 and I'll also include Matthew Hitchum's link.
00:36:07 --> 00:36:11 And be sure to check it out if you want to dig deeper into this topic.
00:36:11 --> 00:36:14 Thank you again for listening to AI for Creative Professionals.
00:36:15 --> 00:36:19 Join me next time for more concrete ways to make AI work for you as creative
00:36:19 --> 00:36:21 professionals, not the other way around.
00:36:21 --> 00:36:48 Music.