In the previous article of this series, we have given some simple guidelines for making your AI generated output sound more authentically human. We have provided some guidelines you can implement immediately into your workflow by simply copy-pasting them into your prompts. We now go a step further with some more advanced concepts that are require slightly more effort but can potentially give you more substantial results.
The focus on these techniques is not just creating more relatable content. It’s also about avoiding yesterday’s language. When using an AI content generator, the goal is to get human-sounding output that doesn’t make readers cringe. Here’s how to keep things fresh and uniquely human:
1. Avoid Overused Expressions
Don’t let your AI sound like a recycled trend. Back in the day, phrases like “the best part?” and “here’s the kicker” might have made content pop. Now they sound tired, overused by every AI content writer trying to create a “cool” effect. Your prompt should specify not to use them, and instead to focus on the message directly and drop the pretense.
2. Cut the Cringe by Ruling Out Outdated Phrasing
Language moves fast, and AI accelerates that speed. Expressions trend, peak, and flop in weeks. Yesterday’s edgy phrase becomes today’s eye-roll. It’s up to you to track and remove anything that has crossed the line. Teach your AI script writer and AI caption generator what’s out of style and suggest clean alternatives.
3. Refine Your Prompts Regularly
AI tools work best when they’re guided. Use a tool like Wordhero AI content writer or even a humanize ChatGPT plugin to adjust your prompts with every language trend shift. If a phrase is on every TikTok meme, it’s probably not going to make your content stand out. Update your prompts weekly, so your content doesn’t feel outdated.
4. Short Sentences Are Your Friend
Long-winded phrases kill readability and make your AI content sound robotic. For your AI to sound more natural, get to the point in short, punchy lines. Break it down. Sentence fragments can work. As long as they make sense. No one wants to read a wall of text. Use white space, keep it tight, and let each idea stand on its own. AI tools like the Jasper AI content writer let you create structured yet simple outputs that feel organic.
5. Keep a Checklist of ‘Do Not Use’ Terms
Every piece of content should avoid “cool” intros that are anything but. For instance, “spoiler alert,” “the twist,” “catch” are all played out (“played out”, though, has some time left before it’s overdue…). If your prompt includes those terms, you’re setting your AI to produce generic content. This isn’t about looking clever; it’s about staying relevant.
6. Forget Superlatives and Hype Words
Expressions like “awesome,” “incredible,” “one-of-a-kind” are so overused they have turned into almost completely empty noise by now. Instead, let AI describe things in factual terms without superlative fluff. If you want people to keep reading, skip the exaggerated positivity and just say what needs to be said. The best AI doesn’t need to shout.
7. Focus on Realness Over Perfection
People connect with imperfections and honest language. A well-placed pause or fragment can feel real. To humanize AI text, you can add these touches. Overly polished AI output feels off. Keep it clean but human, like a conversation with a friend, not a presentation.
8. Test, Analyze, Update
Track how your audience responds to content. Adjust prompts that fall flat. Add new terms, kill off tired phrases. See what works, and don’t let stale language stick around.
Prompt engineering is basically coding with natural language, so standard software development processes are pretty much transferrable to prompt development.
When using an AI content generator, the aim is to sound less like a machine and more like a person who gets it. Follow these steps, and you won’t have to worry about your AI coming off as corny or out of touch. Even the language in this article will become archaic eventually, but let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
