Learn how to make AI-assisted content authentic, natural and trustworthy with these practical writing tips.
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are everywhere right now, and for good reason. They can help small business owners, marketers and entrepreneurs save time, brainstorm new ideas and get past the dreaded blank page. But here’s the catch: If you publish AI-generated copy without editing it, it sounds like it was, well, written by AI.
That matters, because readers can usually tell when something feels stiff, generic or “off.” And search engines like Google are also paying closer attention to whether content reflects real human expertise. So, how do we use these tools without hurting ourselves in the end? You can use AI as a helpful assistant without losing your authentic voice with a little editing and awareness.
Here are some practical ways to make sure your content looks less like it was written by a robot and more like it came from you.
1. Avoid Common AI “Tells”
AI-generated text has a few dead giveaways. One of the biggest? Overusing emojis.
If you’ve ever seen copy sprinkled with green checkmarks ✅ or the same smiley face repeated over and over, you’ve probably spotted AI’s fingerprints. Emojis aren’t necessarily bad to use (they can add personality when used intentionally), but if every bullet point starts with a symbol, your text starts to look canned. A good rule of thumb: Keep emojis minimal and meaningful.
Another giveaway is the em dash. Don’t get us wrong — em dashes are a great tool when you want to connect thoughts. But AI tends to lean on them a lot — sometimes three or four per paragraph. The rhythm of the writing feels off when that happens; instead, mix up your punctuation with commas, periods or even colons. Your sentences will read more naturally and your writing won’t set off AI alarms.
Here’s another tell you can look out for if you know your grammar: dangling modifiers. Dangling modifiers are a little more nitpicky since they’re also common with human writers, but it’s good practice to rewrite them when you can. Try rearranging sentences that sound like this: “When you’re thinking about X, make sure to include Y”, to “Make sure to include Y when you’re thinking about X.”
2. Add Personal Experiences and Human Perspective
One of the most powerful ways to make content feel human is to actually be human in it. Share your own experiences, stories or lessons learned.
For example: if you’re writing a blog about customer service, don’t just list best practices. Share an anecdote about the time a client emailed you with a midnight emergency and how your team responded. That small detail instantly signals, “This person has lived this, not just generated it.”
Search engines like Google reward this kind of writing, because it demonstrates authority and authenticity. But more importantly, readers trust you more when they see you’ve been in their shoes. AI can’t replicate your story, and that’s to your advantage.
3. Reread for Clarity
One sneaky issue with AI writing is that it looks good at first glance, but doesn’t always make sense when you slow down and read carefully. The sentences may be grammatically correct, but they can feel vague, repetitive or even contradictory.
That’s why it’s worth rereading AI-assisted content with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:
- Does this actually communicate my point clearly?
- Is it saying something specific, or is it just “fluff”?
- Would I say this out loud to a client or colleague?
If the answer is “no,” tweak it until it sounds like something you would write. A few small edits can make generic copy specific and authentic.
4. Watch for Trite or Overused Expressions
AI has a soft spot for clichés. Phrases like “game-changer,” “unlock your potential,” or “in today’s fast-paced world” pop up constantly in generated copy.
Readers skim right past these because they’ve seen them a million times. To stand out, try rephrasing. Instead of “game-changer,” describe specifically how something helps: “This tool cut our client onboarding time in half.” That’s fresher, clearer and rooted in a real outcome.
If you spot a phrase that feels too polished or too familiar, rewrite it in your own words. Again, your voice is what makes the content trustworthy.
5. Other Subtle Ways to Humanize Your Content
Beyond these basics, here are a few extra tricks:
- Vary your sentence length. AI tends to favor medium-length sentences. Throw in a short, punchy one. Then use a longer, more detailed sentence that keeps readers engaged.
- Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite your prompts. One of the most powerful ways to get better results with AI is to continually tweak your prompts. Give more details and constraints about tone, grammar style, and content each time you prompt your AI to get better copy.
- Fact-check. AI occasionally “hallucinates” details. Always do your research first, then double-check stats, dates and sources before publishing.
The Bottom Line: AI + Human Editing = Better than AI Alone
AI is a fantastic tool for getting words on the page faster. But words alone aren’t enough: Readers want an authentic, reliable perspective. That’s where your editing eye and personal stories come in.
You can get the best of both worlds by avoiding common AI tells, adding your own experience and rereading for clarity and accuracy. The speed of AI and the trustworthiness of authentic writing can produce better content.
At Infomedia, we help businesses strike that balance every day. If you’re looking for help with blog writing, website copy or other digital content, check out our content strategy services.
