How to Write Like AI...But Without AI
6 Tips to Connect with Readers
As a teacher-copywriter duo, we’ve seen the value artificial intelligence (AI) brings to our work. But we also know when it’s doing too much—or when we’ve started leaning on it a little too heavily.
Research shows that over-reliance on AI can weaken our critical thinking, memory, attention and decision making. (Read this article on ChatGPT’s Impact on Our Brains According to an MIT Study. Yikes! That’s the last thing we want for ourselves or for our readers. So we’re sharing the tools, habits and creative practices we use that help us build meaningful content on our website (www.shopbanyan.com), in our daily work and across our social media platforms—without losing our voice.
This article is your guide to writing with intentionality and impact—and most of all, human. Let’s use our brains for good—and become better writers because of it. Let’s dive into our six tips to writing like AI, but without using AI.
1. Add personality.
When you infuse your personality into your writing, you stop sounding like everyone else (or AI) and start sounding like you.
Write like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee
Choose your tone—witty, warm, quirky or bold—and use it every time
Sprinkle in casual language
Use rhetorical questions or metaphors others can connect with: “Who doesn’t love a good book?”
When your writing feels real, people want more of it.
2. Connect with feelings.
Humans thrive on connection. AI tends to lean on facts. But facts alone don’t move people. If you want to make an impact, speak to the heart:
Be relatable
Tap into empathy or humor
Don’t just share information—lead with a story to start: “I grew up an avid reader, always chasing stories as a kid and teen. But life got busy...”
That’ s how you turn readers into listeners—and content into conversation.
3. Break up sentences.
If you want your writing to stay interesting, you’ve got to keep readers on their toes.
Try mixing it up:
Start with a punch line
Vary your sentence length
Ask questions
Skip the stiff, formal stuff. Say things like: “Ever feel like your TBR list never stops growing? Same. Here’s how to make progress.”
When your writing rhythm surprises readers, it sticks.
4. Lean into imperfections.
used to obsess over every word—terrified of making a mistake. I’d tweak and rework until I was sure it was perfect.
But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t what connects. It’s okay to let go a little.
Don’t over-polish—raw is relatable
Let your voice shine through, especially on social media
Fragmented thoughts can be powerful, too: “I didn’t think I’d like it. But wow. Great book.”
People don’t respond to perfect. They respond to real.
5. Be yourself.
Especially when writing about yourself! People crave authenticity. They want you—your voice, your perspective, your story. AI can mimic tone, but it doesn’t live your life. You do. So lean into that:
Share your opinions (with respect) and back it up with your why
Paint pictures of daily life—help them visualize it
Invite readers into your world—tell them your stories, not stories you’ve heard from others
Real writing is what people remember.
6. Reinforce your values.
Let people know why you do what you do—not just what you do. At Banyan Books, we believe in the power of stories. So for us, we want to share the magic of reading with everyone who visits our bookshop. You can share your vision, too:
Infuse your values into every piece of writing—whether it’s a reel, post or content on your website
Remind readers what you stand for and why it matters
When your words reflect your purpose, you build trust.
So, how do you begin?
Just start! Writing that connects isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about showing up with intention and honesty. When you lean into your voice, share your stories and speak from the heart, your words do more than inform. They invite. They resonate. They stick.
Whether you're crafting a blog post, a social caption or a brand story, remember: real always wins. So write like you mean it—and let your readers feel it!