How to Use AI Without Sounding Like a Robot (Yes, It’s Possible!)
We need to talk about something that’s been driving me crazy: AI-generated content that sounds like a robot wrote it. You’ve seen it—the social media captions stuffed with unnecessary emojis, blog posts that use words like ‘demystify’ and ‘delve’ way too much (seriously, who talks like that?), and website copy that feels... off.
AI is here to stay, and the longer you resist, the further behind you’ll fall. But using AI doesn’t mean sacrificing authenticity. In fact, if you train AI correctly, it can actually enhance your content rather than make it sound like a ChatGPT-generated mess.
So, I brought in an expert on this, Mike Allton, (AI consultant and podcaster), who’s spent the past two years diving deep into AI and how businesses can use it without losing their unique voice. And guess what? He shared some seriously game-changing strategies.
Step 1: Give AI a Job Title
If you’re just hopping into ChatGPT and saying, “Write me a LinkedIn post about my new podcast episode,” you’re setting yourself up for disaster.
AI doesn’t know who you are. It doesn’t know how you talk. It doesn’t know what makes your content different from every other person asking for a LinkedIn post.
Instead, start by telling AI exactly who it is and what role it’s playing.
For example:
Bad Prompt: “Write me a LinkedIn post about my new podcast.”
Good Prompt: “You are a world-class social media strategist who specializes in writing high-converting LinkedIn posts for thought leaders in the podcasting space. Your job is to craft a compelling LinkedIn post that sounds like me, engaging, direct, and a little sassy.”
By doing this, you’re giving AI guardrails so it doesn’t just spit out generic content.
Step 2: Teach AI Your Brand Voice
The reason AI-generated content sounds the same is because most people don’t give it enough direction. It’s like hiring a copywriter but not telling them anything about your brand.
Here’s how to fix it:
Upload Examples of Your Writing: If you’ve written blog posts, emails, or social media captions, feed them into AI. Tell it, “Analyze my writing style and create a brand voice guide based on this.”
Be Clear on What You Don’t Want: I literally told AI, “Never use em-dashes, don’t use emojis, and never, ever use the word ‘delve’ in anything you write for me.” You can be that specific.
Use Memory Features: Platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini now have memory features that allow AI to retain details about your brand. Take advantage of this by inputting key facts about your business, voice, and style.
Step 3: Create Custom Instructions for AI
Once you’ve trained AI on your voice, it’s time to make sure it applies that knowledge every time. Instead of starting from scratch with every new chat, use custom GPTs or saved instructions.
In ChatGPT, create a custom GPT that stores all your voice guidelines.
In Gemini, set up a “Gem” that has your writing style and audience preferences baked in.
If you’re using Magai, build a persona that includes your voice, preferred frameworks, and brand guidelines.
This way, you don’t have to keep reminding AI how to write like you...it already knows.
Step 4: Use AI for Research and Strategy, Not Just Writing
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using AI as a shortcut for content creation instead of a tool for strategic insights. AI can do much more than just generate copy—it can help you research, ideate, and refine your strategy.
Some advanced ways to use AI:
Competitive Research: Tools like Perplexity AI can pull real-time insights on what your competitors are doing.
Audience Analysis: AI can help refine your messaging based on who your audience actually is (not just who you think they are).
SEO Optimization: AI-powered search tools can analyze keywords and trends so you’re writing content people actually want.
AI Should Work for You... Not Replace You
The takeaway? AI isn’t the enemy. But if you’re using it without any strategy, you’re going to sound like every other business that’s copy-pasting generic AI-generated content.
Use it the right way, and AI can be your best employee... one that helps you create content that’s faster, sharper, and still sounds like you.
Now, tell me... how are you using AI in your business? Are you making it work for you, or is it making you sound like a robot?
Is this helpful? Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter.
If you're ready to enhance your social media game, start your journey by clicking here.
Get your copy of my new book, The Social Shift!
Access your free Content Calendar by clicking here to elevate your social media strategy.