How to humanize AI content (and why most writers get it wrong)
Learn RightBlogger's proven techniques to transform robotic AI content into engaging, human-sounding writing that connects with readers and improves SEO performance.
AI content often sounds robotic. Ryan Robinson and Andy Feliciotti from RightBlogger discovered that readers spend 45% less time on obvious AI content compared to authentic writing. Their research shows most content creators simply paste prompts and publish without adding their personal touch.
The problem isn't the technology itself, but how people use it. RightBlogger's analysis found that basic prompts like "write about SEO keywords" deliver generic results that readers immediately recognize as artificial, causing them to bounce from pages quickly.
Want to make your AI content sound genuinely human? This guide breaks down RightBlogger's techniques to transform robotic text into engaging content that connects with your audience. Keep reading to discover how to blend AI efficiency with your unique voice.
Short on time?
Here's a table of contents for quick access:
- Why AI content sounds robotic
- Simple prompt techniques that work
- How to add your voice to AI drafts
- When to use AI vs. when to write yourself
Why AI content sounds robotic
AI tools like ChatGPT follow patterns. They generate text based on what they've seen before, not personal experience. This creates content that sounds formulaic.
The problem isn't the AI itself. It's how people use it. Many content creators use basic prompts like "write about SEO keywords" and expect quality results. They don't provide context, guidelines, or personal input.
Research from RightBlogger shows that readers spend 45% less time on obvious AI content compared to authentic human writing. People want real perspectives, not generated summaries.
Simple prompt techniques that work
Prompt engineering makes all the difference. Don't just ask AI to write content - tell it how to write.
Start with clear writing instructions:
- Keep sentences brief (10-20 words)
- Use everyday words
- Write at an eighth-grade reading level
- Make direct statements without hedging
- Connect ideas naturally without forced transitions
- Vary sentence structure and punctuation
Ban overused phrases. Tell the AI to avoid words like "delve," "digital landscape," "leveraging," and "navigate." These terms appear frequently in AI content and signal to readers that no human touched the text.
When testing this approach with ChatGPT, content went from being flagged as "100% AI-generated" to "human-written" in detection tools. While these tools aren't fully reliable, they show that improved prompts create more natural-sounding content.
How to add your voice to AI drafts
AI content lacks personal experience. After getting your initial draft, ask the AI to generate questions about your experience with the topic.
For example, if writing about SEO keywords, the AI might ask:
- When did you first learn about primary keywords?
- What mistakes have you seen businesses make with keyword research?
- Can you share a success story where primary keywords made a difference?
Answer these questions in your own words, then ask the AI to incorporate your responses into a revised draft. This process weaves your expertise, stories, and voice throughout the content.
The key insight: AI works best as a first-draft tool, not a replacement for your knowledge. As Ryan Robinson from RightBlogger notes, "If you don't have opinions on something, you probably shouldn't be writing about it."
When to use AI vs. when to write yourself
AI excels at creating structure, summarizing information, and providing starting points. But it can't replace authentic expertise.
Use AI when:
- Creating first drafts to overcome writer's block
- Organizing complex information
- Generating outlines for longer content
Write yourself when:
- Sharing personal experiences
- Offering specialized insights only you have
- Telling stories that connect with readers
Most content succeeds when it combines both approaches. Start with AI for structure, then add your unique perspective.
Make AI sound like you, not like AI
Readers want authentic content. They can spot generic AI writing quickly. The solution isn't avoiding AI tools—it's using them better.
Focus on customizing prompts, incorporating your experiences, and editing the final product. AI should amplify your voice, not replace it.
Not every piece of content needs your personal touch. But the best performing content almost always has it.
