Chat GPT can do a lot. It can comb through academic journals, generate lifelike images, help with complex coding problems, summarize vast amounts of information, and analyze data with impressive accuracy. Over 180 million people use it every day, and for good reason—it’s a remarkable tool for automating and streamlining the writing process.

But let’s be honest. As brilliant as AI is, there’s one thing it just doesn’t quite nail: talking like a real person.

Sure, it can craft grammatically flawless sentences and adhere to the rules of language, but if you’ve used it for writing, you’ve probably noticed that something feels off. The text can come across as stiff, overly formal, or just lack the warmth and nuance that human interaction brings to writing. That’s where you, as the content creator with a human brain and an individual lived experience, come in.

Luckily, there are some effective ways to make generative AI sound a lot more like a real person. Whether you’re working on blog posts, web copy, or marketing material, we’ve got practical tips to help your AI-generated content connect better with your audience.

But before jumping into the specifics, it’s worth exploring how people really feel about AI-driven content. Understanding this can help you fine-tune your approach and ensure your content hits the right note.

How Consumers Really Feel About AI-Generated Content

It’s not as straightforward as it seems. People don’t necessarily love or hate generative AI: sometimes, they can’t even tell the difference.

A recent study from MIT Sloan delved into how consumers perceive content created by humans, AI, or a combination of both. Surprisingly, when participants didn’t know the source of the content, they often preferred the AI-generated material, especially in tasks like writing marketing copy. However, once participants were told whether the content was AI-generated or human-written, their preference shifted toward human-made content—what researchers call “human favoritism.”

This suggests that while people may appreciate AI-generated work, they tend to trust and value content more when they know a human was involved. For businesses, this means that fully automating content creation might not be the best approach. Instead, blending AI efficiency with a human touch can help build consumer confidence and trust in the final product.

As generative AI continues to spread across industries like marketing, politics, and education, it’s vital for companies to understand how their audience perceives AI-driven content. This balance between AI and human input is becoming more crucial as consumers’ preferences evolve alongside AI’s growing capabilities.

Now, with that in mind, let’s look at some practical tips to help you humanize your AI-generated content.

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How to Make Generative AI Sound Human 

1. Shorten Your Sentences

People don’t always speak in long, flowing paragraphs. In real life, conversations are filled with short sentences, sometimes just a few words at a time. Instead of saying, “It is important to consider all available options before making a decision,” you might say, “Think it over. What are your options?” It’s punchier, more direct, and it sounds like how a person would actually talk.

2. Add Pauses and Breaks

Humans pause when they speak—sometimes to think, sometimes for effect. Using sentence fragments, ellipses, or breaking up ideas into smaller chunks can help mimic that natural rhythm. For example, instead of a long, complex thought like, “When considering a vacation, it’s best to weigh factors such as cost, location, and timing,” try breaking it up: “Thinking about a vacation? First, weigh out the main factors: cost, location, timing.”

3. Use Everyday Words and Phrases

AI can get a bit… robotic. While it’s great at using a formal tone, that doesn’t always sound natural. We’re more likely to say “help” instead of “assist,” or “think about” instead of “consider.” Opt for simpler, everyday vocabulary. It keeps the tone casual and more relatable.

4. Throw in Some Emotion

When writing content, it’s easy for AI to stick to the facts, but humans naturally inject emotions into their words to connect with readers. AI-generated text tends to feel neutral and detached. To make your AI content feel more human, add emotional language that resonates with the audience.

For example, instead of writing, “This tool can improve your workflow,” consider adding an emotional hook like, “Imagine how much less stressful your day could be with a tool that handles the heavy lifting for you.”

Using emotional language helps your AI content feel more relatable, drawing readers in and making them feel understood. This not only improves engagement but also builds a stronger connection with your audience.

5. Inject a Little Humor

People often use humor to break the ice or lighten the mood. AI doesn’t always pick up on that, but you can help it along. A quick joke, a lighthearted comment, or a bit of sarcasm can go a long way in making the interaction feel more human. Just make sure it’s subtle enough not to throw off the flow.

6. Change Up Your Sentence Structures

When people talk, they don’t follow the same patterns over and over. One sentence might be long, the next short. Sometimes we ask questions; other times we make statements. Varying sentence structure keeps the conversation dynamic and prevents it from feeling monotonous or robotic.

7. Use Active Voice, Mostly

Passive voice tends to sound formal and distant, while active voice feels more direct and engaging. Instead of saying, “Mistakes were made,” say, “We made some mistakes.” It brings the conversation to life and sounds more like something a real person would say. That being said, even real people sometimes use passive voice—it’s all about finding the right balance.

8. Add Personal Anecdotes

People relate to stories, and AI can’t inherently tell personal tales. If you’re using AI to generate content, consider adding a personal anecdote or example that ties into the topic. This makes the piece feel more authentic and relatable. For example, “When I first started using this tool, I was skeptical, but after saving hours on my writing process, I was hooked.”

9. Avoid Repetition

One issue AI can run into is repeating phrases or ideas, especially when it doesn’t know how to transition smoothly. Make sure to scan the text for repeated language or concepts, and edit to keep the content fresh and engaging. A varied vocabulary and avoiding redundant points will keep readers from getting bored.

10. Clarify Complex Concepts

Generative AI can sometimes overcomplicate explanations, especially with technical subjects. Adding a human touch means breaking things down into simple, easy-to-understand language. You can insert analogies or relatable examples to clarify difficult topics: “Think of it like a digital filing cabinet that organizes everything for you.”

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How to Write Effective Generative AI Prompts in 2024

Creating prompts that generate human-like responses from AI requires a combination of precision, creativity, and flexibility.

Generative AI’s output is only as good as the input we give it. If you ask a bare-bones question, generative AI will respond with a bare-bones answer. Half of the challenge in effectively using AI is learning how to communicate with it. And, as AI tools become more sophisticated, refining your prompts becomes even more crucial.

Here are some up-to-date strategies to help you get the most human-like, relevant, and engaging responses from your AI-generated content:

1. Be Specific and Detailed

The more specific your prompt, the better the AI will understand your needs. Instead of a broad request like “write a blog post,” narrow it down by adding details such as target audience, tone, and key points. For example:

“Write a blog post about the benefits of remote work for startups, focusing on cost savings and employee well-being.”

2. Prompt the Tone and Style You Want in the Response 

The tone and style of your AI-generated content can drastically impact how it resonates with your audience. When crafting a prompt, clearly specify the desired tone—whether you want the response to sound formal, conversational, authoritative, or humorous. For example:

“Can you break down how blockchain works in a simple, uncomplicated way, as if you’re explaining it to a group of non-tech professionals? Be professional but conversational with the writing style.”

3. Incorporate Clear Context and Background Information

Provide context to ensure the AI produces relevant content. Including specific information helps guide the response. For example:
“I’m writing a LinkedIn article for marketing executives. Could you summarize the latest trends in digital marketing, with a focus on AI-driven analytics?”

4. Ask for Analogies or Relatable Examples

Analogies make complex ideas more understandable, so encourage AI to use them. For example:

“Explain the concept of machine learning, comparing it to how a child learns to recognize objects.”

5. Incorporate Current or Relevant Information

Humans naturally reference recent events, trends, or developments in conversations, which gives the dialogue a sense of timeliness and relevance. To make your AI-generated content sound more human, ensure it reflects up-to-date information. When crafting prompts, specifically ask the AI to incorporate the latest insights, news, or advancements.

For example, instead of a generic prompt like “Explain AI-generated art,” try:

“Summarize the most recent advancements in AI-generated art as of 2024, highlighting key trends and new technologies.”

By grounding the content in current events or recent developments, the AI can produce responses that sound more like a human who is in touch with ongoing conversations and real-world changes. This approach adds a layer of authenticity, making the content feel more informed and relevant to your audience.

6. Seek Multiple Perspectives

Humans naturally consider different viewpoints when discussing complex topics, which makes their conversations more thoughtful and engaging. To make your AI-generated content sound more human, ask the AI to present multiple perspectives on an issue. This not only makes the response more balanced but also mirrors how real discussions unfold, with various angles considered.

For example, instead of a one-sided explanation, try:

“Discuss the pros and cons of hybrid work models, considering both employee and employer perspectives.”

By encouraging the AI to explore different sides of a topic, you create content that feels more nuanced and reflective of real-world conversations. This approach can make the output feel less robotic and more human, as it acknowledges complexity rather than offering a one-dimensional answer.

7. Work with Smaller Sections of Text

When making generative AI sound more human, it’s often helpful to break larger ideas into smaller, more digestible sections. Humans naturally pause, reflect, and convey thoughts in manageable chunks, while AI can sometimes over-deliver lengthy, dense responses. Working with shorter prompts and asking for smaller sections of text not only makes the content easier to follow but also helps ensure clarity and coherence.

For instance, instead of asking AI for an entire blog post in one go, break it down:

“Write an introduction to hybrid work models, explaining what they are and why they’re popular in 2024.”

Then follow up with:

“Now discuss the benefits of hybrid work for employees.”

This method allows for more control over the flow and tone of the content, ensuring that each section is clear and more human-like in its delivery. Breaking content into smaller sections also enables easier revision, ensuring a more conversational and engaging final product.

8. Have Humans Revise AI-Generated Text

Even the best AI-generated content can benefit from human oversight. Involving a human editor ensures the final product is polished, coherent, and engaging.

Rather than relying on AI output as the final draft, consider it a solid foundation that requires a human touch. Humans can spot areas where the tone may be off, clarify confusing sections, or add the creative flair that AI lacks. By revising the text, you maintain control over the message while enhancing the natural flow of the content. This approach ensures the writing aligns with your goals and connects meaningfully with your audience.

By following these updated guidelines, you’ll craft more effective prompts that lead to richer, more human-like responses from generative AI. This balance of clarity and flexibility will allow AI to produce content that’s not only accurate but also engaging and relatable.

Balance AI Efficiency with Human Creativity for Maximum Impact

Using generative AI effectively requires more than just the right technology—it’s about creating content that resonates with a human audience. By carefully crafting your prompts, incorporating real-world context, and refining AI outputs with a human touch, you can produce content that feels authentic and engaging. At the same time, balancing AI’s efficiency with human creativity allows for deeper connections with your audience. As AI continues to shape the future of content creation, those who master this balance will unlock its full potential.

At D-Kode Technology, we understand the transformative power of AI and are committed to leveraging its potential to enhance your business strategies and solutions. Whether you’re looking to create compelling content, streamline your operations, or gather insightful data, our expertise in AI can help you achieve these goals with greater efficiency and creativity.

Let’s embrace the future of AI together — contact D-Kode Technology today to discover how we can help you drive innovation in your business.