How to Write With AI and Still Sound Like Yourself

Can generative AI enhance your writing without losing your unique voice? Let’s find out.

Introduction: Writing in the Age of AI

This is an experiment. I am writing this article using AI to see how well it can collaborate without overshadowing my personal style. Not because I want a shortcut, but to explore if AI can genuinely assist writers in maintaining their authenticity while benefiting from the technology.

Embracing AI in Writing: Collaboration Without Losing Yourself

I’m not being sponsored by any AI tool to write this. My goal is simple: to showcase the process and help fellow writers understand how to use AI effectively without falling into the trap of over-reliance or sounding robotic. Let’s dive in.

Setting the Stage

To start, I prompted ChatGPT with this opening:

Prompt: “I’m a writer experimenting with AI for crafting an authentic article for Medium. Here’s my introduction; how do you think we should continue?”

The response was insightful but overly formal. Here’s what I did next to align it with my tone:

1. Edited overly complex sentences.
2. Added personal anecdotes.
3. Ensured the tone was conversational, as if I were speaking directly to my readers.

This process is key: AI suggests, you refine.

The Collaboration Process

Step 1: Starting With Structure

Before even touching AI, I outlined the article’s structure:

1. Introduction: Why this experiment matters.
2. Collaboration: Using AI without losing control.
3. Challenges: When AI sounds too artificial.
4. Refinement: Tips to edit AI-generated text.
5. Conclusion: Final thoughts on using AI as a writing assistant.

Giving the AI a clear roadmap made its suggestions more targeted and useful.

Step 2: Letting AI Fill the Gaps

AI excels at generating ideas or filling in missing details. For example, I asked ChatGPT to suggest subheadings for the “Challenges” section. It offered:

• “Striking a Balance Between Automation and Originality”
• “When AI Forgets You Have a Voice”

While these weren’t perfect, they served as inspiration. I tweaked them into something more aligned with my style.

Step 3: Adding My Own Voice

Here’s the golden rule: Always personalize. AI suggestions often lack the nuance of lived experiences, so weaving in personal anecdotes or humor bridges the gap.

Challenges: AI’s Shortcomings

1. Losing Authenticity

One risk with AI is that it can produce text that sounds generic. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose the uniqueness that makes your writing stand out.

2. Over-Editing

The temptation to micromanage every AI suggestion can waste time. Instead, focus on the big picture: Is the AI adding value or simply padding the word count?

3. Context Blindness

AI lacks the ability to understand context fully. For instance, when I prompted it to write about “how AI transforms writing,” it provided clichés like “AI is the future.” Adding context and purpose is essential.

Refinement: Making AI Work for You

Tip 1: Be Specific in Your Prompts

Instead of asking, “Help me write an article,” try, “Suggest a conversational tone for a Medium article about writing with AI.”

Tip 2: Use AI for First Drafts Only

Treat AI as a brainstorming partner, not the final editor. Write the first draft with AI, then revise extensively.

Tip 3: Infuse Personal Stories

Readers connect with authenticity. Even if AI drafts the skeleton, your experiences and insights are the heart.

Conclusion: AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement

Generative AI can be a powerful ally for writers, but it’s just that: a tool. The human touch — your voice, your style — remains irreplaceable. By collaborating thoughtfully with AI, you can produce work that’s efficient, engaging, and uniquely yours.

The experiment is ongoing, but one thing is clear: The future of writing isn’t about choosing between humans and AI. It’s about finding the perfect balance between the two.

What do you think? Have you tried writing with AI? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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