AI writing tools have changed content creation, but there’s a growing problem: everything starts to sound the same. The internet is flooded with AI-generated “slop” that’s technically correct but lacks personality and nuance.
The challenge isn’t whether to use AI. It’s how to use it effectively while maintaining, well, you.
The AI Writing Paradox
AI tools can help you write faster, but they often produce content that feels generic and impersonal. This creates a paradox:
- You need efficiency - Deadlines are real, and AI can help you meet them
- You need authenticity - Your audience connects with your perspective, not generic AI output
The solution isn’t to abandon AI tools, but to use them strategically.
The Problem with Generic AI Prompts
Many people use AI writing tools with basic prompts like:
- “Write a blog post about productivity”
- “Create social media content for my business”
- “Write an email to my customers”
These generic prompts produce generic results. The AI has no context about your brand, your audience, or your unique perspective.
A Better Approach: Strategic AI Collaboration
Instead of using AI as a replacement for your thinking, use it as a collaborator in your process:
1. Start with Your Ideas
Begin with your own thoughts, experiences, and insights. AI should amplify your ideas, not replace them.
Instead of: “Write about productivity tips” Try: “I’ve noticed that most productivity advice focuses on tools rather than mindset. Write about why changing your relationship with work matters more than finding the perfect app.”
2. Provide Context and Constraints
Give the AI specific information about your audience, tone, and goals.
Example prompt: “Write for creative professionals who are overwhelmed by too many tools. Use a conversational tone, include personal anecdotes, and focus on practical solutions they can implement today.”
3. Edit with Your Voice
Always edit AI output to match your style. Add personal stories, specific examples, and your thoughts/perspectives.
Maintaining Authenticity in AI-Assisted Writing
Here are practical strategies to keep your human touch:
Add Personal Experience
AI can’t replicate your lived experience. Weave in:
- Personal anecdotes
- Specific examples from your work
- Lessons you’ve learned
- Mistakes you’ve made
Use Your Natural Language
AI often writes in a formal, academic tone. Edit to match how you actually speak:
- Use contractions (don’t, can’t, won’t)
- Include conversational phrases
- Add your preferred expressions and terminology
Include Controversial Opinions
AI tends to be neutral and safe but your angle probably includes:
- Strong opinions (backed by reasoning)
- Contrarian viewpoints
- Honest critiques of popular ideas
Show Vulnerability
Humans connect with imperfection. Share:
- What you’re still learning
- Where you’ve struggled
- When you’ve been wrong
The Koubou Approach to AI Writing
At Koubou, we’ve built Smart Writer specifically to address these challenges. Instead of generic AI, SmartWriter lets you:
- Train custom AI writers with your specific style and tone
- Provide detailed instructions about your audience and goals
- Maintain consistency across all your content
- Preserve your voice while gaining AI efficiency
The result is content that sounds like you, not like everyone else using the same AI tool.
Practical Tips for Better AI Writing
Always start with an outline - Know what you want to say before asking AI to help you say it
Use AI for first drafts - Let AI handle the initial structure, then add your personality
Read everything aloud - If it doesn’t sound like something you’d say, edit it
Include specific details - Generic advice is forgettable; specific examples stick
Trust your instincts - If something feels off, change it
The Future of Human-AI Collaboration
The goal isn’t to eliminate AI from your writing process. It’s to use it in a way that makes you more productive while keeping you in the process.
