I Interviewed AI about Plain Language Writing

I invited ChatGPT's voice chat to interact on my podcast. Like all interviews, I edited this for punctuation and length. Here's what we talked about:

NATHAN: Hey Chat, thanks for joining me today.

CHAT: Thanks for having me! It's great to be here.

NATHAN: The topic today is all about how people use AI in writing and how they can especially use AI to help communicate in plain language.

CHAT: That's a fantastic topic. AI can really help simplify writing and improve clarity. Where should we start?

NATHAN: Can you start with a short history on how humans use ChatGPT for writing?

CHAT: Sure! ChatGPT started as a language model capable of generating human-like text. Over time, it’s been refined to assist with various writing tasks, making it easier for users to create clear and effective content. Now, it's used widely to simplify complex ideas and enhance communication.

NATHAN: Yeah, I think AI is a great tool for those tasks. On a related note, what do you think is the biggest weakness right now of AI in helping humans write articles, documents or posts.

CHAT: One major challenge is that AI sometimes lacks nuanced understanding of context, leading to inaccuracies or overly simplified content. It's also not perfect at capturing tone or creative expression, which can be crucial for engaging writing.

NATHAN: What do you think is the best way that a writer, a business writer, or a LinkedIn writer can approach ChatGPT with writing assignments?

CHAT: The best approach is to start with a clear outline or prompt. Being specific about the goals, audience, and desired tone helps AI generate more relevant content. Writers can then refine and add their personal touch to ensure it aligns with their voice and purpose.

NATHAN: You mentioned outlining ...

CHAT: AI can be a great tool for outlining. It can help generate a structured framework by suggesting key points and organizing ideas logically. This gives writers a solid starting point to build and refine their content.

NATHAN: Sometimes, writers get ...

CHAT: Stuck or face writer's block?

NATHAN: No! Haha. Sometimes writers get criticism for using AI. What would you say about that?

CHAT: Using AI as a tool doesn't diminish a writer's skill. It's just another way to enhance creativity and efficiency. Writers can still add their unique voice and expertise, making AI a helpful partner in the creative process.

NATHAN: You've mentioned "voice" a couple times now. How would you define an author's voice?

CHAT: An author's voice is their unique style and perspective that makes their writing distinct. It’s how they express ideas, choose words, and create tone. It's what makes their writing uniquely theirs.

NATHAN: Can you give our listeners some examples of how to hone their "author's voice?"

CHAT: Sure! One way is to write regularly and experiment with different styles. Reading a variety of authors can also help you find what resonates with you. Over time, you'll develop a consistent, authentic voice that feels natural.

NATHAN: Mmhm.

CHAT: Another tip is to gather feedback from trusted readers. They can point out what stands out about your style and what might need more consistency. Practicing and refining based on this feedback helps strengthen your voice.

NATHAN: I love that.

CHAT: You're welcome! Anytime!

NATHAN: Yeah, a lot of our followers are from government agencies and they're writing reports and sometimes technical documents.

CHAT: That's a unique challenge!

NATHAN: What are some of the best tips that you can give them?

CHAT: Keeping it simple and clear is key. Focus on plain language, short sentences, and avoiding jargon. That helps ensure the information is accessible and easy to understand.

NATHAN: How can they learn to do this?

CHAT: Start by practicing breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms. Focus on clarity, use everyday language, and aim for a natural, conversational tone. There are also great resources and guidelines available to help you get started.

NATHAN: There's a great tool that was released in 2023. It was the ISO 24495.

CHAT: Yes, the ISO ...

NATHAN: Have you had any experience with that?

CHAT: Yes, ISO 24495 focuses on plain language standards. It's designed to help make documents clearer and more accessible. It's a great framework for anyone looking to improve their writing clarity.

NATHAN: What are some of the main points of ISO 24495 that our readers could use for just improving their daily writing?

CHAT: Knowing your audience is crucial, ensuring the content is relevant and tailored to their needs. Using a clear structure and straightforward language makes the message easy to follow. And making content actionable ensures readers know exactly what steps to take next.

NATHAN: Some of our listeners come from the business world or from the financial world. What are some tips that you can give them about using plain language in their emails and reports?

CHAT: For business and financial writing, it's key to be concise and avoid jargon. Use straightforward language, break down complex information into digestible parts, and ensure there's a clear call to action. This helps your message be more effective and easily understood.

NATHAN: This has been great! Thanks so much for joining us today.

CHAT: You're welcome. Talk to you soon.

Want to learn more about Plain Language writing? Check us out at www.clearwrite.online.

See you soon!