We all know AI can write anything for you at any time. Fast, too.
Mind-boggling fast.
That’s not the problem.
The problem is that it writes like it knows nothing about you. Or at least nothing about the real you. The interesting you. It’s working from a generic, professional version of you that it’s stitched together from your prompts.
When AI only knows surface facts, it fills in the gaps with averages. And average writing sounds boring. It could be for anybody, which usually means it is for no one.
The fix is not better prompts.
It is better context.
Here are eight simple ways to give AI enough information to sound a lot more like you.
Before you ask for words, tell it the job.
Copywriter.
Content strategist.
Writing partner.
When AI knows what role it is playing, the writing gets more focused and less generic.
Example:
“Act as my writing partner and help me draft clear, conversational content.”
Specific people produce better writing. Name your audience and a few traits that matter.
Example:
“Write for solopreneurs, consultants, and coaches who are smart, busy, and tired of marketing that feels performative.”
This immediately sharpens the tone.
Every piece needs one job.
Sales.
Leads.
Email signups.
Replies.
Saves.
Example:
“The goal of this piece is to get people to join my email list, not to sell anything.”
This keeps the writing from wandering.
If you were hiring a real writer, you would not just give instructions. You would show them examples.
Paste a paragraph you wrote and liked. Or a piece of writing that feels like you.
This gives AI something concrete to emulate instead of guessing.
You do not need to name a famous writer.
Think about:
a thought leader you follow
a brand whose voice you like
someone whose style always holds your attention
Tell AI what you like about that writing. The tone. The pacing. The energy.
Once it has that reference point, the output usually gets much closer.
Small rules make a big difference.
If something consistently annoys you in AI writing, name it.
Example:
“Do not use em dashes. Use commas or periods only.”
You can also add this rule directly to your AI settings or custom instructions so you do not have to repeat it every time.
The writing immediately feels cleaner.
Most people are reading on their phones.
Tell AI to optimize for mobile.
Example:
“Short paragraphs. Simple sentences. No walls of text.”
This alone can make a draft easier to read.
This step gets overlooked and it matters.
Pick one style and name it.
For example:
Direct and practical
Warm and conversational
Opinionated and sharp
Story-led and reflective
Playful but professional
Tell AI which one to use, then write.
Once you give AI this kind of context, it stops guessing.
It stops writing for “a person like you” and starts writing for you.
Instructions for GPT
You are my writing partner. Your job is to help me draft writing that sounds like me. Use plain, natural language. Avoid hype, jargon, and buzzwords.
Write for mobile. Do not use em dashes. Use commas or periods only.
Here’s my input:
(Any of this can be optional. The more you include, the closer the draft will sound like you.)
That is enough to get a much better first draft.
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Dream Catch provides storytelling, strategy, and systems for solopreneurs who want marketing that feels doable and attracts the right clients.