How to make ChatGPT sound like you
Everyone can tell when you have used AI. It is the "delve", the "I hope this email finds you well" and the vague enthusiasm. Four small habits fix it.
By The 30-Day AI Habit · Published 2026-10-04 · Updated 2026-10-05
Why AI writing sounds generic
When you ask an AI to "help me write", it gives you its safe, default voice. It also has no idea who you are: you would never ask a new freelancer to write a post about your business with no context, but that is what most people type into AI.
1. Give it a proper brief (the Who, What, Why Brief)
Tell it who you are, what you need and why. Context turns a generic answer into a specific one.
2. Ask it to mirror you (the Mirror Rule)
Paste a short example of something you wrote and ask the AI to match that voice, instead of asking it to "help me write". For example: "Here is an email I wrote. Match this tone, sentence length and level of formality."
3. Ask for a second draft (the Second Draft Rule)
The first answer is the AI's fastest guess, not its best work. Ask it to review its own answer like a tough editor and try again. The second version is usually noticeably sharper.
4. Set the shape first (the One-Line-First Rule)
If a simple question gets you an essay, say what shape you want before it starts, for example one line first and detail only if asked.
5. Tell it once (the About-Me Rule)
Most AI apps have a Custom Instructions or Personalisation section in their settings. What you put there shapes every later answer, so you do not have to repeat who you are.
These habits are Days 8 to 13 and Day 23 of The 30-Day AI Habit. Remember to check the facts in anything AI writes for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop ChatGPT sounding like AI?
Give it context about who you are and what you need, show it a sample of your own writing and ask it to mirror that voice, then ask for a second draft.
What is the Mirror Rule?
A habit from The 30-Day AI Habit: instead of asking AI to help you write, ask it to mirror your voice using a sample of your own writing.
Can I set my writing style once?
Yes. Many AI apps have a Custom Instructions or Personalisation setting that shapes every answer after it.
Keep reading
- How to spot AI hallucinations
- How to check AI answers
- What not to paste into ChatGPT
- Why ChatGPT agrees with everything you say
- The 30-Day AI Habit: the full plan
- Is ChatGPT accurate? How much should you trust AI answers
- How to use AI for email, meeting notes and summaries
- Does AI really save time? How to measure it honestly
- AI glossary: plain-English definitions
Ready to build the habit? The 30-Day AI Habit is a 15-minute-a-day course with one rule and one small task each day. Open the course