We Know AI Wrote That

Have you ever read something and thought, “This feels a little... off”? That’s the challenge with AI-generated content—it can be efficient, but it often lacks the human touch that makes a story truly resonate. It’s like watching The Terminator. Skyfall is powerful, but without heart, connection, and humanity, they’ll never win the day.

The good news? AI tools like ChatGPT can help streamline the storytelling process without replacing your unique voice. The key is learning how to collaborate with AI while keeping the human element front and center.

Here’s how to work smarter, not harder, with actionable tips to ensure your stories stay authentic and impactful.

1. Let AI Handle the Heavy Lifting—But You Take the Lead

In The Terminator, the machines can calculate, analyze, and execute flawlessly, but it’s Sarah Connor who drives the heart of the story. Similarly, AI is great for helping you brainstorm ideas, outline content, or refine grammar, but the direction, tone, and emotion should come from you.

Try This:

• Use AI to generate content ideas or outlines. Ask, “What are 5 ways to approach this topic?”
• Once AI gives you the framework, infuse it with your voice, perspective, and unique stories.

2. Add Emotional Layers—That’s Where Connection Happens

AI excels at delivering facts, but humans connect through emotion. Your audience isn’t just looking for polished sentences—they want to feel something. Think about The Terminator’s most powerful moments—they weren’t about technology; they were about love, sacrifice, and survival.

Try This:

• Use AI to draft a section, then review it and ask: “Does this reflect my voice? Is there enough emotion?”
• Add personal anecdotes, humor, or vulnerability that only you can bring to the table.

3. Use AI as a Co-Writer, Not the Star

Even the Terminator worked better as a sidekick than the lead hero. AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance your storytelling, but they shouldn’t overshadow your creativity. Keep the spotlight on your perspective, not the machine’s output.

Try This:

• Generate content ideas or paragraphs with AI, but edit heavily to ensure the final product feels authentically you.
• Use AI for specific tasks like generating examples, finding alternate phrasing, or conducting light research, but always review and personalize the results.

4. Be Intentional About Your Voice

One of the biggest giveaways that “AI wrote this” is when the content feels generic or overly formal. Your voice is what sets you apart. It’s the difference between a robotic machine and the dynamic, flawed, relatable Sarah Connor.

Try This:

• Create a checklist for your voice. Is it conversational? Optimistic? Sincere? Use these guidelines when reviewing AI’s output.
• Look for ways to incorporate phrases, references, or humor that make your content unmistakably yours.

5. Keep Your Audience at the Center

Machines are great at processing data, but they can’t build relationships. Your audience isn’t just consuming content—they’re connecting with you. Like the humans fighting back in The Terminator, connection is the ultimate game-changer.

Try This:

• Think about your audience’s needs, emotions, and challenges. Ask, “Does this content reflect what they care about?”
• Use AI to test headlines, refine CTAs, or brainstorm engagement strategies, but always ensure the final product feels human.

Why the Human Touch Wins Every Time

AI tools like ChatGPT are incredible resources, but they’re just that—tools. The heart of your story comes from you. Machines might be able to write, but they’ll never replace your unique experiences, emotions, and connections.

So go ahead, use AI to help with the heavy lifting—but let your humanity take center stage. After all, the best stories are the ones only you can tell.

Want to Craft Stories That Combine Efficiency and Authenticity?

At Scout Stories, we believe in blending smart tools with authentic storytelling. Let’s help you create content that works smarter, connects deeper, and resonates louder.

I'm Erin Peterson, part of the team at Scout Stories. Think of us like a therapist, but for stories.

We listen and get the details out.

Provide perspective.

But most importantly, we teach you to create connections, build relationships that attract the right kind of attention.