As copywriters, many have embraced the power of AI tools to streamline our content creation process. AI can churn out copy at lightning speed, but its output can sometimes feel stiff, robotic or too predictable.
For copywriters focused on compelling marketing messages, humanising AI-generated content is a must if you want to truly connect with readers. So, without further ado, here are ten practical tips to infuse more personality into your AI-assisted writing.
- Recognising AI Writing Patterns
Before adding personality to AI-generated content, it’s essential to understand the common patterns that AI tends to produce. AI often follows a formulaic structure—sentences might be well-organized but lack the spontaneity of human expression. For example, certain transitions are overused and overly formal phrasing is generally used throughout, regardless of your target market.
Take time to review the initial output and recognize the repetitions, mechanical phrases, and predictable formats.
How to fix it: Make a list of these patterns in each draft. Is there a reliance on certain words or phrases? Are there redundant sentences or a robotic cadence? Highlight areas where the AI is too formal or bland and break that monotony by adding a more relaxed or conversational tone.
- Adding Character and Charm
Copywriting should resonate with your audience emotionally, something AI tends to struggle with. To add charm and character, layer in elements of humor, warmth, or relatability. You want the reader to feel as if they are interacting with another person, not a machine.
How to fix it: Introduce playful language, puns, or even metaphors where appropriate. Use human expressions that evoke warmth. For example, if you’re writing product descriptions, make them sound like friendly recommendations from a trusted advisor, rather than sterile informational blurbs.
- Crafting Natural Dialogue
AI-generated copy often produces stilted or overly formal dialogue, which can sound unnatural. A human touch makes dialogue flow in a way that feels authentic and lively, which is essential for marketing copy that prioritises actual engagement.
How to fix it: Reread any AI-generated dialogue and ask yourself, “Would someone really talk like this?” Break the text into shorter sentences, use contractions (like “you’re” instead of “you are”), and include informal phrases that people use in everyday conversation. Ultimately, you want the text to read the way people speak in real life.
- Using Vivid Language and Imagery
AI copy is often clear but lacks the vibrancy that comes from human imagination. The phrases might describe something adequately, but they seldom invoke the senses or paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
How to fix it: To breathe life into the copy, add sensory details—smells, sounds, textures, tastes, and visual descriptions. For instance, instead of describing a product as “high-quality,” describe how it “feels sturdy and dependable in your hands,” or how “its sleek design catches the eye.” Appeal to emotions and the five senses to make the copy more immersive.
How to Scale to Exit
- Break the Rules (Sometimes)
AI is excellent at adhering to the rules of grammar and syntax, but humans know when and how to break them for dramatic effect. Breaking grammatical rules adds flair and keeps the reader’s attention—something that rigid AI copy often fails to do.
How to fix it: Don’t be afraid to start sentences with conjunctions, use sentence fragments, or inject colloquialisms that make the text feel more relatable. For example, consider a sentence like, “And then, it just clicked.” That’s a sentence fragment, but it adds a punchy, conversational tone that AI tends to avoid.
- Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
AI tends to over-explain concepts and use too many words to express a simple idea. The result is that the copy feels bloated and sluggish. Human writers, on the other hand, understand the power of brevity and the impact of well-chosen words.
How to fix it: Go through the AI copy and strip away unnecessary words. Be ruthless about cutting filler and redundant phrases. Keep sentences short, snappy, and to the point. Aim for clarity and conciseness, as that is often what makes writing more compelling and digestible.
- Make It Personal
One of the most effective ways to humanise AI copy is by incorporating personal stories and anecdotes. AI cannot replicate personal experiences or emotions, so adding this layer of authenticity can make the copy feel more engaging and relatable.
How to fix it: Weave in short anecdotes or experiences that readers can relate to. For example, if you’re writing about time management tools, you might add a personal story about a time when your schedule was chaotic and how a particular tool helped you regain control. Personal stories build connection and trust with your audience, something AI lacks by default.
- Check for Consistency
AI can sometimes generate content that’s inconsistent in tone, structure, or style. One paragraph might sound formal while the next is casual. Customers find inconsistency jarring, which disrupts the flow of the message.
How to fix it: As a copywriter, your job is to make sure the entire piece feels cohesive. Review the tone and style of the copy from start to finish. Does it stay friendly, professional, or light-hearted throughout? Ensure the language and messaging match the brand’s voice, and adjust any sections that deviate from the desired style.
- Proofread with a Human Eye
Even though AI tools come with their own grammar checkers and built-in proofreading features, these tools are not infallible. AI may overlook subtle grammatical nuances, miss awkward phrasing, or fail to capture cultural nuances.
How to fix it: Carefully proofread the copy for any awkward transitions, sentence structures, or misused words. Human proofreaders can also catch tone missteps and identify places where the AI-generated text needs to be smoothed out or made more intuitive. Beyond basic grammar, a human eye ensures that the text resonates emotionally.
- Read Aloud
The best way to ensure your copy feels human is to read it aloud. AI-generated content can look good on the screen but sound robotic or awkward when spoken.
How to fix it: After editing, read the entire piece out loud, noting any parts that feel stiff, unnatural, or convoluted. If a sentence doesn’t roll off the tongue easily, rewrite it until it does. Humans naturally inflect and vary their tone when speaking, so aim for the same variety in your writing.
Editing is an art, and editing AI copy is a distinct skill. If you still need help, trust our white label copywriting team with experience in AI copyediting. Our native english speakers are available, no matter how big or small the project is.
