AI can be a powerful tool—but it still needs you
AI can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but even AI-generated content requires your input to make the result interesting and relevant. A text created exclusively by AI can sometimes feel impersonal, which means it may not resonate with the reader the same way human-written content does.
That’s why it’s best to see AI as an assistant, a tool that helps you save time and sharpen your creativity, rather than replacing you as a writer.
How can AI help you write?
To use AI effectively, you need to understand its strengths and limitations. AI works differently from, for example, Google. Here are two key differences:
Interactive dialogue
When using AI, you interact with it like you would with a person. It’s an ongoing conversation where you provide detailed input, ask follow-up questions, and adjust the instructions until you’re satisfied.
This differs from Google’s one-way searches, which simply give you a list of links.
Tailored drafts
AI doesn’t just deliver facts or links—it can create full drafts, images, or other resources. For example, you can ask AI to summarize a meeting, write an article, or suggest ideas for a text structure—something Google can’t do in the same way.
(The image above is AI generated.)
How to create a good prompt
To get the best results from AI, it’s important to write a clear and detailed instruction, called a prompt. Be specific and provide as much context as possible. Consider the following points:
Type of text: Is it an article, an email, a social media post, or something else?
Audience: Who will read the text?
Purpose: Do you want to inform, persuade, entertain, or something else?
Style and tone: Should it be formal, light-hearted, or humorous?
Key message: What is the most important takeaway for the reader?
Length: How long should the text be?
Language: In which language should the text be written?
You can also give AI a role as an expert in the field, for example:
"You are an experienced communications officer writing for a municipality."
Example prompt
To illustrate how you can use AI, here’s an example:
"You are a communications officer for a municipality. Write an email to citizens about new parking regulations in the city center. The text should be short, clear, and friendly. Explain why the new rules are being introduced, what they mean, and when they take effect. End with information on where to read more or ask questions."
Work with AI’s drafts
Remember: the text you receive is a draft. Your expertise is essential to make it ready for publication. This could involve improving phrasing, adding personal touches, or adapting the tone.
If AI’s draft doesn’t quite fit, don’t hesitate to iterate (rewrite your prompt) or adjust the text.
You can also use AI for specific parts of the process, such as:
Creating a text structure
Generating engaging openings
Analyzing your target audience and their needs
Finding the right style and tone
Key things to keep in mind
Double-check facts: AI can make mistakes, especially with numbers and dates.
Practice and experiment: Start with simple tasks to learn how the tool works.
Be clear: The more specific you are, the better the results.
Use feedback: Tell AI what you like or don’t like so it can improve next time.
The role of AI in the future
Will AI replace human writers?
Probably not anytime soon. AI is a tool, but it cannot replace human understanding of culture, empathy, or creativity. In fact, as more content is generated by AI, it becomes even more important to create content that feels genuine and human.
What is generative AI?
Generative AI, like ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs), creates content based on probabilities drawn from massive amounts of text data.
It’s important to understand that AI doesn’t “think” like a human—it analyzes patterns in data. These tools can be incredibly helpful but still require human review and adjustment.
AI is a helper, not a replacement
AI is here to enhance your work, not replace it. Think of it as a creative assistant that helps you find new angles, save time, and improve your writing.
Always personalize what AI creates so that it reflects you and your unique style.
Good luck! 😊