AI As a Writing Assistant, Part 1

Artificial Intelligence does not concern me about losing my job. In fact, AI serves as an excellent assistant. But as I write in "Using AI to Improve Creativity, Productivity, and Quality," we must remember we're the boss. In this and coming posts, I will show you what I mean. 

The content below, in Arial font, emerged from a two-word prompt that I wrote in Google: "writing tips." For decades, I have taught writing in the corporate, government, and academic worlds using precisely the tips that follow. But it's one thing to recite them; it's another to adapt them to the specific audience I am teaching, whether they be college students, junior staffers, or executives. Tone shifts based on who's writing to whom. It's yet another thing to understand the organizational culture in which I am working. Salespeople write differently from engineers, who write differently from accountants, who write differently from scientists, who write differently from IT specialists. And it's far more to see someone's writing on the spot and explain what works and what needs improvement.

Throughout this series, I will refer to AI help and explain some caveats. Here is the 471-word AI response to "writing tips." 

Here are some tips for improving your writing skills: 

General Writing Practices:

• Write Daily: Regular practice is crucial for honing your skills and developing a consistent writing habit.
• Read Widely: Read extensively across various genres, authors, and styles to broaden your vocabulary and understanding of effective writing techniques. Pay attention to what works well and analyze how different authors achieve their effects.
• Outline: Structuring your ideas before you write can help ensure a clear and coherent piece.
• Consider Your Audience: Tailor your content, tone, and language to your intended readers.
• Master Grammar and Punctuation: Strong writing relies on a solid understanding of fundamental grammar and punctuation rules. 

Crafting Your Prose:

• Use Active Voice: Active voice is generally more engaging and dynamic than passive voice. For example, "My mother baked the cake" is more direct than "The cake was baked by my mother".
• Be Clear and Concise: Aim for straightforward language that is easy for your reader to understand. Use short sentences and avoid unnecessary words or jargon.
• Vary Sentence Structure: Mixing sentence lengths and structures can make your writing more interesting and improve its flow.
• Choose Strong Action Words: Use specific, descriptive verbs that bring your writing to life.
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of telling the reader something, use descriptive language to show them. For example, instead of "She was sad," you could write, "Tears welled up in her eyes, and she slumped onto the couch."
• Use Transition Words: Transition words and phrases help to create smooth connections between sentences and paragraphs. 

The Writing Process:

• Embrace the Writing Process: View writing as a process involving brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.
• Write a First Draft without Editing: Focus on getting your ideas down on paper without worrying about perfection. You can refine and polish later.
• Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing or grammatical errors you might otherwise miss.
• Revise and Edit Diligently: Take time to carefully review and revise your work, paying attention to clarity, coherence, and flow.
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends, colleagues, or writing groups to read your work and provide constructive criticism. 

Overcoming Writer's Block:

• Establish a Routine: Develop a consistent writing schedule to make writing a habit.
• Minimize Distractions: Create a dedicated writing space free from interruptions.
• Take Breaks: Step away from your writing when you feel stuck and return with fresh eyes.
• Try Freewriting: Write continuously without self-censorship to generate new ideas.
• Change Your Environment: A new setting can sometimes spark creativity. 

Specialized Tips:

• Know Your Genre: If you're writing in a specific genre, understand its conventions and tailor your writing accordingly.
• Practice Specific Techniques: Certain genres may require specific techniques, such as world-building in fantasy or creating suspense in thrillers. 

Remember, becoming a strong writer takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, keep learning, and enjoy the process!