AI is changing the way we create content, but too often, it ends up sounding stiff or generic. If you want your work to stand out and actually connect with people, it needs to feel honest and trustworthy, not just pass as “human.”

Why AI Writing Often Falls Flat

AI tools are a huge time saver and should be used to assist you in content development, but they tend to overuse the same phrases and formatting tricks. When your writing feels empty or recycled, your audience loses interest and Google takes notice.

The Most Common AI Writing Mistakes

Overused Phrases to Avoid

  • Let’s be real
  • Unlock your potential
  • Discover the power of…
  • Transform your business, life, or brand
  • Take your skills to the next level
  • Join us on this journey
  • It’s no secret that…
  • In today’s fast-paced world
  • At the end of the day
  • Whether you’re a beginner or expert
  • We’ve got you covered
  • A game changer
  • Future-proof your…
  • Supercharge your…
  • Your go-to resource

Generic Words That Kill Authenticity

  • Unlock
  • Journey
  • Discover
  • Empower
  • Transform
  • Revolutionize
  • Optimize
  • Ultimate
  • Next-level
  • Cutting-edge
  • Seamless
  • Innovative
  • Dynamic
  • Authentic (ironically!)
  • Proven
  • Limitless

Formatting Habits That Signal AI

  • Too many long dashes for drama
  • Ellipses everywhere
  • Rhetorical questions at the start or end of every section
  • Bullet points that are too perfect
  • Too many sentences starting with “Let’s…”
  • Repetitive structures like “Not only X, but also Y”
  • Overuse of exclamation points or forced enthusiasm
  • Heavy use of emojis or icons instead of clear language

How to Make Your Content Sound More Human

  • Read your draft out loud. If it sounds stiff, it probably is.
  • Use real examples or short stories instead of vague statements.
  • Skip long intros and get to the point quickly.
  • Embrace imperfections. A little roughness makes you sound real.
  • Create your own list of banned words and phrases for your brand.
Forget chasing algorithms. Write for the humans on the other side of the screen. If it feels real, they’ll come back. Simple as that.

Quick Self-Check Before You Publish

  • What problem does this solve for my reader?
  • Does this sound like my brand, or could it be anyone’s content?
  • Can I write a better headline or hook if this feels generic?

BONUS: SAVE THIS PROMPT

“Rewrite this draft in a more natural, human voice. Avoid using these words and phrases: [insert your banned list here]. Remove rhetorical questions, excessive dashes, and forced enthusiasm. Use clear, direct sentences. Add real examples or a short story to make it more relatable. Read it as if you’re talking to a friend who knows nothing about my industry but wants honest, practical advice. Keep it concise and skip filler or fluffy intros.”