Should you use AI to write a first draft?

When ChatGPT crash-landed on the writing world over a year ago, its major appeal (or nightmare, depending on your point of view) was that it could write a draft for you.

All you needed to do was insert the right prompt.

In fact, some prognosticators were saying that "prompt engineers" would become more valuable than writers. (I even noticed a few job postings on LinkedIn for that title.)

But now it's a year later, and the "wow" factor has died down. What we're left with is the practical question of how to use AI to write faster and better.

And one thing is clear. Getting an AI to knock out an initial draft for you is a bad idea.

Why?

Because when you do, your draft doesn't fully benefit from your strategic thinking, creativity, instincts, emotional intelligence and, most importantly, voice.?

Think about it. Don't you get some of your best ideas while writing? Don't you make a more authentic -- and therefore persuasive -- connection with your reader while writing??

An AI can't bring those advantages to an initial draft. It's a robot.

So, if you shouldn't use ChatGPT to compose a first draft, how do you use it to write faster, more easily, and better?

Here are some techniques that work well for me and many of the writers in my workshops and courses.

#1. Getting Unstuck

Picture this: You're struggling to write a promotional email. You don't know how to begin. The cursor on the blank page you have open is blinking mockingly.?

You're stuck.

AI can be a handy "get unstuck" tool. For example, if you can't think of a good lead for your email, you can ask ChatGPT to generate suggestions.?

Here's an example prompt.

You're a copywriter writing an email announcing the launch of a new product. Generate a list of five ideas for the opening few sentences (the "lead") of the body copy. The lead should gain the reader's attention and motivate them to read on and learn more. Below is the information you need on the product and its target market.?

ChatGPT will then produce a list of ideas. Chances are, at least one will inspire you and jump-start your writing.?

#2. Telling Better Stories

Copywriters are storytellers. We tell stories about product features, benefits, advantages, and what a customer's life, career, or business will be like after they click that CTA.

AI can be a thinking partner in coming up with better stories.?

I recommend first developing stories on your own. Then, when you need more ideas but your tank is empty, use a prompt like this one:

You're a copywriter writing a sales page for a new product. You want to provide a compelling example, scenario, or story that will vividly bring a key benefit of the product to life for the reader. Generate a list of five ideas. Below is the information you need on that key benefit, as well as the product and target audience.

Chances are, at least one of the ideas generated will be useful.

#3 Getting Quick Advice and Editing

Do you have a colleague in your office who will, on demand, give you writing feedback and suggestions?

No? Well, join the club!

The good news is, ChatGPT can be that "writing buddy" who can review your initial draft and generate specific recommendations for improvement.

Here's a sample prompt.

You're an experienced editor. Review the following blog article and come up with specific recommendations for improvement. The audience for the blog is real estate agents. List your recommendations as a table with the following columns: Word Choices and Phrases; Examples and Scenarios; Clarity; Other Suggestions. Here's the article:

ChatGPT will then generate a list in a convenient table format.?

You can also ask the AI to tighten your copy and check for typos.?

The Bottom Line: You're the Writer. AI is just a Handy Tool.

Those are a few ways AI can help you write faster and better. (Notice the emphasis on you.) So, resist the temptation to settle for a robotic draft pumped out by an AI.?

Because no amount of revising will make it human.?

Hi, I'm Steve. I teach in-house teams and freelancers how to write great content more quickly and easily. You can find me at www.SteveSlaunwhite.com.