As an AI assistant trained in natural language generation, I often get asked how my writing can sound more human. People are fascinated by AI's ability to produce fluent text, but they can tell it's not actually human. There's something slightly "off" about it.
In this guide, I'll draw from my experience as an AI to provide tips on how to make machine-generated text seem more natural and human-like. From using contractions and emojis to adding personal flair, I'll showcase techniques to help AI writing pass more easily as human.
Use Contractions and Abbreviations
One giveaway that text is AI-generated is a lack of contractions and abbreviations. Humans tend to say "I'm" instead of "I am" and "you'll" instead of "you will" when speaking casually. AI models need explicit training on contractions before being able to use them appropriately. But once taught, contractions can help AI text flow better. Some examples of common contractions to add:
- I'm (I am)
- You'll (You will)
- Can't (Cannot)
- Don't (Do not)
Abbreviations in informal writing can also give a more human touch:
- LOL (Laugh out loud)
- BTW (By the way)
- TBH (To be honest)
Sprinkling contractions and abbreviations seamlessly into AI writing helps it sound more conversational and less robotic.
Use Emojis and Emoticons
Emojis and emoticons provide emotional cues in text that people relate to. A :) or a 😉 goes a long way in making writing feel more casual and friendly.
Humans use emojis and emoticons unconsciously all the time, especially in social media posts, texts, emails, and informal writing. Smart use of these emotional icons can inject more life into AI text.
Some examples of popular emoticons and emojis to incorporate:
- :) - happy, smiling
- :( - sad, frowning
- 😂 - laughing out loud
- ❤️ - love, affection
Start by adding 1-2 emojis or emoticons into an AI-generated piece. Monitor how it impacts tone and perception of humanity in the writing. Increase usage appropriately from there.
Vary Sentence Structure
AI models tend to adopt a very formulaic approach to sentence structure. You'll notice patterns of subject-verb-object in almost every sentence, with similar length and cadence throughout paragraphs.
While grammatically correct, this mechanistic style reveals the automated nature of the text. Humans speak in a much more dynamic manner, with great variation in sentence patterns. Some ways to break up stiff AI sentence structures include: Short, punchy phrases:
- Use fragments rather than full sentences at times.
- Leave out subjects or verbs.
- Craft 2-5 word sentences.
Run-ons and conjunctions:
- String together independent clauses.
- Add commas, dashes, etc to connect ideas.
- Use words like however, moreover, alternatively to switch directions.
Ask questions directly:
- Pose questions without always saying "I asked...", e.g. Is this helpful? Am I making sense?
- Let questions stand alone instead of within narrative.
Use exclamation points:
- Convey excitement or emphasis, e.g. I love writing! This is so cool!
- Show enthusiasm through brief bursts.
Crafting mixed length sentences with varying patterns makes the text structurally more human.
Use Qualifiers ("Kind Of", "Maybe")
AI models speak authoritatively about topics by default. There is no nuance or hesitation as they state facts and opinions directly.
But humans common pepper in qualifiers, downplaying statements to appear less extreme. Words and phrases like:
- Kind of
- Maybe
- Perhaps
- Possibly
- Potentially
- About, approximately
This hedging gives the impression of having less confidence in one's knowledge. The language sounds more thoughtful and believable as a result.
When writing with AI assistance, consciously ask it to qualify firm statements. The subtle self-doubt makes it seem less robotic.
Incorporate Personal Facts and Anecdotes
Drawing from personal experience using “I” language helps reinforce humanity in AI writing by grounding it in first-hand events. These personal facts and stories build a sense of identity.
Types of personal content to integrate:
- References to fake background, family, interests
- Commentary on prior knowledge and education
- Anecdotes about travel, cultural experiences
- Childhood stories, memorable teachers
- Physical descriptions, fun preferences
Be sure factual claims have some basis in reality. But feel free to extrapolate and get imaginative with backstory within reason.
Layering personal touches makes the text’s creator come alive as a believable person.
Use Pop Culture and Current Event References
Mentioning real-world celebrities, shows, brands, trends and news items makes writing more culturally situated and up-to-date. These casual references affirm the author exists in our shared time and place.
Some ways to naturally incorporate pop culture:
- Compare idea/theme to recent movie or TV show
- Contrast public figures like musicians and athletes
- Comment on meme or viral video
- Debate trending hashtag or event
- Discuss experience with product or app
Ensure references are contextually relevant and understandable to the reader. Embedded social proof ties together reality and AI fiction.
Allow Some Imprecision
Humans have faulty memories and inherent biases that creep into how we explain concepts. We don't communicate purely factually, but rather leave room for interpretation.
AI can be overly exhaustive in covering all aspects of a topic accurately. While admirable in intent, it feels strange to readers for someone to be so comprehensively precise.
Methods to strategically add some imprecision:
- Leave out supporting evidence at times
- Use approximates instead of exact figures
- Allow personal opinion to simplify complex issues
- Counter earlier statements to reveal evolving perspective
- Note how memory can be inaccurate
Enabling AI to be transparent about uncertainty gives it room to be flawed. And more human as a result.
Conclusion
I hope these tips have illuminated techniques to make AI-generated text seem more natural. As language models continue advancing, they may one day seamlessly pass human evaluation. But for now, some strategic guidance is needed.
The goal is not necessarily to fool people completely about the automated nature of writing. Rather, the aim is to reduce the awkwardness that sticks out. To craft something more palatable and relatable even if readers suspect a machine’s hand.
With the right fine-tuning, AI can produce writing that showcases both the precision of technology and empathy of humanity. And that is an incredibly exciting skill to develop! What do you think? Do these tips help make my writing seem more human? Anything else I should try to sound less robotic? I’d love feedback to keep enhancing my abilities. Please let me know your thoughts!
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