Techniques to Make AI-Generated Text Sound More Human

Bridging the Gap Between Robot and Human Writer

Have you ever read something and thought, "A robot definitely wrote this"? You're not alone. AI writing can sometimes feel as if an over-caffeinated intern grabbed a thesaurus and went to town – technically correct but lacking soul. The reason is simple: AI models like ChatGPT generate text by predicting likely word patterns, not by genuine human experience or emotion. When the result sounds robotic, it creates a distance between the content and the reader. But fear not! Just as a lump of clay can be moulded into art, AI-generated text can be refined to read more human. In this guide, we'll explore practical techniques to infuse AI-written content with personality, warmth, and that human touch – all while keeping the process fun. From clever prompt tweaks to strategic edits, these tips will help you turn your AI into a true creative writing assistant.

(And yes, we'll even sprinkle in a bit of humour – AI might not laugh at your jokes, but your readers will!)

Understanding AI Outputs: Why Does It Sound Unnatural?

Before we can humanise AI text, it helps to know why it often sounds unnatural. AI language models operate statistically: they learn to write by analysing billions of sentences and guessing which words likely come next. This means the AI tends to play it safe, sticking to familiar phrasing and structure. The result? Repetitive wording and a predictable tone that can feel stiff. For example, you might see the same transition like “in addition,” or a formal tone that no actual person uses in casual conversation. AI also lacks true personal experience or emotion, so its writing can come off as impersonal or oddly neutral.

In short, an AI is like a very advanced parrot: it can mimic patterns it's seen, but it doesn't truly feel the words. This is why a raw AI draft might read like a school textbook or an instruction manual. Understanding this limitation is key – it’s not that the AI is a bad writer, it’s just following its training. Our job as writers is to guide it away from the default “robot-speak” and toward a more natural style. Remember, if something in the AI’s output makes you raise an eyebrow, it’s likely because it’s doing maths, not magic. The good news? Once you recognise these quirks, you can counteract them with the right techniques (and a pinch of personality from your side).

Refining Your Input for Better Output

The old saying "garbage in, garbage out" applies to AI, too. One of the most effective ways to get human-like text from an AI is to refine what you feed it. Think of your prompt (the instructions or text you give the AI) as the seed that grows into the output. A vague or overly formal prompt will likely yield stiff, generic prose. In contrast, a well-crafted prompt sets the tone for a better result. In fact, AI writing tools are like a mirror – they reflect how you talk to them. Talk like a robot, get robot responses.

So how do we refine our input? First, be specific and provide context or examples. If you have a particular voice or style in mind, show the AI a sample of it. For instance, you can give a short excerpt of your own writing or a favourite author’s paragraph and say “Continue in this style.” Including a brief writing sample of your own can show the AI exactly what tone you want. This is like giving the AI a reference track before it tries to sing. Second, don’t be afraid to iterate. Rarely will the first output be perfect. Treat it as a draft. If the tone is off, refine your prompt and run it again. Add more instructions or clarify what you want. Even a few extra words in your prompt can steer the AI significantly. As one prompting guide recommends, experiment with different phrasing and keep tweaking until you discover what works best. For example, if “Write a scene about two friends” comes out bland, try “Write a lively, informal scene of two best friends joking around.” You’ll be surprised how a minor input change can produce a much more engaging output.

Finally, consider feeding the AI your own voice. Some advanced setups (like custom AI models or tools) allow you to provide larger transcripts of your writing or even fine-tune the AI on them. But even in a simple prompt, you can say: “Here’s a paragraph I wrote earlier [insert your paragraph]. Please write the next paragraph in a similar tone.” This gives the model a blueprint of you. It won’t capture your soul (phew!), but it can mimic your sentence structure and word choice to a degree. By refining your input through clear examples and iterative instructions, you set the AI up for success – turning that mirror to reflect a more human side of the AI.

Prompt Examples for Refining Your Input:

• "Please write the next paragraph in my voice. Here’s an excerpt: [insert sample]."
• "Write a lively, informal scene of two best friends joking around."
• "Generate a narrative that mimics the style of my previous blog posts."

Using Specific Instructions to Shape Tone and Style

AI models aren’t mind-readers – they only know what you tell them. That’s why giving direct, specific instructions about style and tone can dramatically change the output. Instead of hoping the AI magically produces conversational prose, ask for it. When prompting, don’t shy away from saying things like “Make the tone friendly and conversational,” or “Add a touch of humour and avoid sounding robotic.” These instructions act as guiding lights for the AI. In fact, the more clearly you spell out the desired vibe, the better the AI can match it. Explicit guidance like what to include or avoid tends to lead to more precise and relevant answers.

For example, suppose you're drafting a creative scene and you want it to feel informal, as if spoken by a close friend. You might prompt: “Describe the scene in a casual, story-telling voice – imagine you’re chatting over coffee. Use contractions and throw in a light joke or two. Avoid any overly formal or academic language.” The difference in output can be night and day. One AI enthusiast noted that avoiding certain clichés or “AI-giveaway” phrases (like the infamous *“Let’s dive into…” intro that no human actually says at the pub) makes the text immediately feel more genuine. Similarly, you can instruct the AI to use natural speech patterns – for instance, “It’s okay to start sentences with ‘And’ or ‘But’, and use the occasional slang if appropriate”. These are things human writers do, but AI might not, unless told, because it was trained to be generally formal and neutral.

The key is to think of these instructions as part of your prompting toolkit. You can combine multiple style directives in one prompt. Want a conversational, humorous, and vividly descriptive paragraph? Say so all at once: “Write this in a conversational tone, add humour, and include vivid sensory details.” You can even specify what to avoid, such as, “No corporate buzzwords or filler phrases, please.” The AI will do its best to obey. In essence, you become the director and the AI your actor; with clear direction, the performance will align with your vision. And if the first take isn’t perfect, remember Section 2 – give a bit more direction and try again. Over time, you’ll develop a knack for speaking the AI’s language in your prompts, and it will start to sound a lot more like you’re chatting on the page.

Prompt Examples for Shaping Tone and Style:

• "Write this in a friendly, conversational tone as if you're chatting with a friend."
• "Describe the scene using vivid sensory details and a touch of humour."
• "Create a dialogue that includes natural speech patterns, contractions, and casual language."

Experiment with Different AI Models (They Have Personalities!)

Not all AI models are created equal – each has its own “personality” and strengths. If you’re aiming for human-like writing, it pays to experiment with different AI systems or versions. Think of it like choosing a co-writer: one might have a formal style, while another naturally writes more playfully. For instance, among OpenAI’s models, the latest ChatGPT (based on GPT-4.5) is designed to sound more empathetic than the GPT-o4 version. OpenAI specifically designed GPT-4.5 to be more reliable, creative, and capable of handling nuanced instructions than its predecessors. In practical terms, that means GPT-4.5 is often better at picking up on your desired tone or context, making it easier to get human-sounding results. If you’ve ever had GPT-o4 give you a very cookie-cutter answer, switching to GPT-4.5 (if available) can feel like upgrading from a competent junior writer to a seasoned pro. The sentences flow more naturally and it’s less likely to repeat itself.

Beyond ChatGPT, there are other AI writers on the block. Anthropic’s Claude is one notable example. Claude has a reputation for producing more natural, conversational prose “right out of the box,” often feeling warmer and more human-like in tone. Creative writers have found Claude handy for storytelling or dialogue because it tends to be a bit more freeform and engaging without needing as much hand-holding on tone. Each model has its quirks: some might be better at humour, others at vivid description, others at sticking tightly to an outline. Even within ChatGPT, you might find differences between the default mode and other fine-tuned modes (like instruct vs. chat, if those options are provided).

The takeaway here is to shop around for your AI writing partner. If one model’s output consistently needs heavy editing, try a different one. For a more conversational feel, you might use a model known for that (like Claude or a newer GPT model). For highly creative writing, you might find one AI’s style suits you better than another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the options available until you find your AI soulmate. Some writers even use multiple AI tools in tandem: for example, using ChatGPT for outlines and facts but Claude for the first draft to get a more human voice, then blending the results. Explore options like ChatGPT (various versions), Claude, or others like Google Bard or open-source models, and see which one “gets” your style best. Finding the right model is a bit of a matchmaking exercise – when it clicks, you’ll spend less time fixing awkward phrasing because the AI simply doesn’t produce as much of it to begin with.

Editing AI-Generated Content for a Human Touch

Even with great prompts and the perfect model, human editing is the secret sauce that finalises the transformation from robotic to authentic. Think of the AI’s output as a first draft – a lump of text clay ready to be sculpted. In fact, one expert advises never to copy-paste an AI’s text directly to your website or manuscript, because it “needs a human touch first.” So, what does this human touch look like in practice? Here are a few powerful editing moves:

Add Personal Stories or Emotion: AI writes in generalities; you add the specifics. If the AI says, “The cake was delicious,” you might tweak it to: “The cake tasted like my gran’s recipe – one bite brought back childhood summers.” By weaving in a quick anecdote or feeling, you suddenly inject humanity. Personalising the text with little stories, feelings, or observations only you could know makes it relatable and unique. AI can’t truly do that because it has no lived experience – but you do. Even in a business or non-fiction context, a dash of personal voice (“We’ve all been there, right?”) can break the robotic rhythm.

Sprinkle in Some Humour: A joke, a witty aside, or a playful metaphor can work wonders to humanise content. AI is notoriously hit-or-miss with humour – it tends to either avoid it or produce corny lines. So feel free to edit in a clever quip or a light-hearted comment. Even something subtle like a parenthetical “(yes, I’ve tried turning it off and on again!)” can make the reader feel a human is behind the words. As one writing coach quipped, AI really can’t do humour well… so just add a pinch of it yourself. The key is appropriate, on-brand humour that fits your piece – a little can go a long way.

Adjust Tone and Voice: Ensure the overall tone matches what you’d naturally sound like. AI might fluctuate – one paragraph too formal, another oddly chipper. Smooth those out. If a sentence sounds too stiff, rephrase it more casually. If it’s too verbose, simplify it. Maintain consistency in voice (especially important if you have a brand or personal style). This might mean changing phrases the AI uses that you never would. For example, if the AI says “utilise” and you’d just say “use,” make that swap. Maintaining a consistent, genuine tone is something a human editor can do in seconds, making the text feel cohesive.

Revise Structure and Phrasing: AI models often default to certain structures – e.g. they love the passive voice and can be overly wordy. Convert passive sentences to active voice to add energy (“The treasure was found by the hero” → “The hero found the treasure”). Break up long sentences or merge short, choppy ones to improve flow. Check for repetitive phrasing or favourite filler words the AI used too much, and vary them. Humans naturally vary sentence length and structure; doing a quick edit for that variety can instantly liven up a paragraph. Also, look out for any awkward or nonsensical phrases (sometimes AI produces a clunker like “they listened with a hawk’s eye” – huh?). Edit or remove those to avoid confusing your readers.

Fact-check and Fine-tune Content: Lastly, ensure everything the AI stated is accurate (if it’s non-fiction) and aligns with the message you want to send. AI can “hallucinate” facts or throw in a generic example that doesn’t quite fit your point. Replacing or adjusting these details not only avoids misinformation, it also gives you a chance to insert more personality. For example, if the AI generically says “Many people enjoy music,” you might spice it up: “I once caught my 62-year-old neighbour head-banging to Metallica – proof that music taste has no age limit!” Small, vivid details beat broad statements every time in making writing feel human.

In short, don’t skip the editing. Even a few minutes of polishing an AI draft can elevate it from good to great. You’re infusing your intent, style, and life experience into the text – things no algorithm can replicate. Consider the AI draft the skeleton; your editing adds the flesh and heartbeat. This blend of AI efficiency and human creativity is the sweet spot: you let the AI do the heavy lifting of generating content, then you shape it into something authentically yours. Many professionals see AI not as a replacement, but as a collaborator – one that still needs a supervising editor (you!) to deliver the final masterpiece.

Prompt Examples for Editing AI Content:

• "Rephrase this sentence to sound more natural: [insert text]."
• "Adjust the tone of this paragraph to be more conversational and less formal."
• "Add a personal anecdote to this draft to make it more engaging and relatable."

Using Search and Deep Research to Enhance the Human Touch

Advanced search and deep research capabilities are available for many language models and they do far more than simply gather facts—they’re like the trusty sidekick that helps your AI sound less like a monotone robot and more like that witty, well-read friend you love chatting with. Just as a seasoned writer spends hours combing through articles, blog posts, and even that random tweet or two to capture a topic’s full flavour, deep research tools enable the AI to tap into the latest, juiciest, and most diverse sources on the web. This not only boosts factual accuracy but also transforms dry content into a narrative brimming with personality, nuance, and just the right touch of cheeky charm.

Imagine having a conversation with someone who not only knows the ins and outs of a subject but also peppers their insights with clever quips and personal anecdotes. By using deep research, the AI can weave together multiple viewpoints and current data, giving the text a natural, human vibe. It’s like the AI has gone on a mini research adventure—finding reputable sources, nodding in agreement with brilliant ideas, and even chuckling at a clever observation—all while keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s happening now.

This approach turns the AI’s output from a bland list of facts into a thoughtful, engaging narrative that feels like it’s been crafted by someone who genuinely cares about the topic. So, next time you want your AI to deliver content that’s as warm and inviting as a chat over coffee (with an extra shot of espresso for wit), deep research is your secret sauce.

Prompt Examples for Leveraging Deep Research:

• "Using the latest web search results, write a comprehensive and engaging overview of recent trends in [topic], and throw in a few cheeky remarks. Don't forget to cite your reputable sources like you're the academic equivalent of a cool professor."
• "Craft a detailed narrative on [subject] by synthesising insights from diverse online resources. Write as if you’re sharing your latest ‘aha!’ moment over a cup of tea, complete with conversational asides."
• "Write an article on [topic] that blends deep web research with a natural, relatable tone. Make it feel like you're chatting with a friend who’s in the know, and sprinkle in some current citations and playful commentary."
• "Generate a blog post about [topic] by merging recent research data with a personable and authentic voice. Use prompt examples to show off your research prowess, and ensure the main text flows like a lively conversation."

Case Study: How Prompt Tweaks Make a Difference

To see these principles in action, let’s walk through a simple example. We gave an AI two similar prompts and got two very different outputs. This shows how a small tweak can significantly humanise the text.

Prompt 1 (basic): “Write a short paragraph about enjoying a day at the beach.”

AI Output 1: “Spending a day at the beach can be very enjoyable. The sun shines brightly, the waves crash gently, and people can relax on the sand or swim in the sea. It is a place where many make happy memories and feel peaceful.”

Analysis: Grammatically fine, but it reads like a bland textbook description. It’s generic and doesn’t sound like any particular person wrote it – it could be an encyclopedia entry. No personal touch, no conversational flair.

Prompt 2 (tweaked): “Write a short paragraph about enjoying a day at the beach in a conversational, personal tone with a touch of humour. Sound like you’re telling a friend about it, and include sensory details.”

AI Output 2: “I swear I still have sand in my shoes from yesterday’s beach day, but it was worth it. The afternoon sun was warm on my face as I watched seagulls play tag over the sparkling water. I even tried surfing (and face-planted in the waves – a free saltwater facial, if you will). By sunset, I was happily exhausted, ice cream in hand, thinking I could get used to days like this.”

Analysis: This version feels alive and personal. It sounds like a human sharing their own day: there’s a first-person perspective, sensory details (warm sun, sparkling water), and even a bit of self-deprecating humour with the surfing mishap. The phrase about sand in the shoes and a “free saltwater facial” are things an actual friend might say jokingly. It’s engaging and paints a picture, drawing the reader in with a relatable chuckle. The difference? In Prompt 2, we explicitly guided the AI on tone (conversational, humorous) and asked for sensory details, which forced it to go beyond the generic. This small change turned a sterile paragraph into a vivid mini-story.

This case study highlights a core truth when working with AI: the more you shape the prompt, the more the output aligns with human-like writing. By tweaking a few words in the instruction, we got an output that you could slip into a travel blog or personal letter and no one would guess a machine wrote it. So next time an AI’s answer feels lacklustre, remember you have a lot of control. Experiment with adding style instructions or little scenario setups in your prompt. It’s often the difference between “just okay” and “wow, this feels real.”

Practical Takeaways for Humanising AI Writing

We’ve covered a lot of ground, so let’s distil these insights into actionable takeaways. Whether you’re a novelist using AI for brainstorming or a blogger drafting posts with ChatGPT, keep these tips in your back pocket:

Always start with a clear goal for tone and style: Before you even prompt the AI, decide how you want the text to feel (e.g. friendly, humorous, narrative, professional). Having this in mind will guide how you craft your prompt and what you look for in editing.

Craft detailed prompts (and include examples): Don’t just ask the AI for content, tell it how you want it. Mention the desired tone, voice, or even mimic a style you like. If possible, give a short example (a paragraph or a few lines) of the style or voice you’re aiming for and instruct the AI to follow that.

Iterate and refine rather than settling: Treat the AI’s first output as a starting point. If it’s not hitting the mark, refine your prompt or give follow-up instructions. You can say “Make it more playful” or “This part sounds awkward, try again with simpler language.” The AI will refine its output based on your feedback – use that to your advantage.

Choose the right AI tool for the job: If one model’s output consistently needs heavy editing, try a different one. For a more conversational feel, you might use a model known for that (like Claude or a newer GPT model). For highly creative writing, you might find one AI’s style suits you better than another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the options available until you find your AI soulmate.

Edit with your human touch: Never skip the human edit. Add your personality – an anecdote, a witty comment, your unique perspective. Smooth out any weird phrasing and ensure the text reads naturally aloud. This is where you transform an AI’s draft into something that fits you (or your brand). As one guide put it, consider the AI as producing the first draft that “needs a human touch” before it’s ready for readers.

Maintain consistency and authenticity: If you’re using AI over multiple pieces, keep an eye on consistency. AI can adapt to many styles, but you want to maintain your voice across your work. Use custom instructions or style guides if the AI platform allows (for example, ChatGPT’s custom instructions feature can remind it of your preferences every time). Always aim for authenticity – the goal isn’t to hide that AI was involved, but to ensure the content resonates as if written by a thoughtful human, not a cold algorithm.

Keep learning from examples: Pay attention to what prompt tweaks or edits give you the best results and build your own playbook. The more you practise, the more intuitive it will become. Soon you'll know exactly how to ask the AI for a sassy blog intro or a heartfelt story ending. And if you find great community examples or case studies, use them for inspiration (we’re all learning in this new frontier together!).

Leverage advanced search and deep research: Use modern search tools and deep research techniques to inject up-to-date, diverse insights into your content. This approach not only enriches the factual base with credible citations but also helps the AI adopt a more natural, human-like tone—almost as if it’s been out there, having a proper chinwag with experts over coffee.

By following these practices, you can turn AI from a generic text generator into a true creative writing assistant. Instead of fighting the AI’s quirks, you’re collaborating – combining its speed and breadth of knowledge with your humanity and creativity. The result is the best of both worlds: content that's efficiently generated and genuinely engaging.

Conclusion

Making AI-generated text sound more human is both an art and a science. With the right prompts, the right model, and a thoughtful human touch, your AI-assisted writing can shine with personality and clarity. So, next time you’re staring at that oddly phrased AI paragraph, you’ll know just what to do – tweak the prompt, have a laugh, and mould it into something you would actually say.

Now it's your turn: Have you tried any tricks to humanise AI writing? Maybe you discovered a magic prompt or a fun editing technique? Share your experience or tips in the comments! Let’s learn from each other’s experiments. After all, writing is a craft – and even with AI in the mix, the writer community can help everyone improve. So go ahead, give these techniques a shot in your next creative project, and enjoy the process of making your AI your creative sidekick. Happy writing, and don’t forget to have a little fun with it – that’s one thing we humans will always do best.

To demonstrate that these techniques work, this article was written entirely by ChatGPT o3-mini using a vectorised model and with minimal edits. Could you tell it was written by an AI? Leave your thoughts in the comments.