Write like you, not a robot

Why this matters: People can tell when an email was pasted from a chatbot, and they may trust it less.

The prompt (copy and paste)

Use this after the AI writes a first draft of your email.

Rewrite the email below so it sounds like me.
Here are 2 emails I wrote myself, so you can copy my style:
[paste 2 of your own emails]

Rules:
- Make it about a third shorter.
- Use plain, everyday words.
- No "I hope this email finds you well" or other stock lines.
- Keep every fact. Don't add new ones.
- Leave a [gap] where I should add one personal detail.

Email:
[paste the AI draft]

Before and after

Before:

"I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to provide a comprehensive update regarding the current status of the project. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or require further clarification."

That's long and stiff, and it doesn't actually say anything.

After:

"Hi Priya, quick update: the draft is done and with Legal now. I'll send it to you Thursday. Thanks again for the quick turnaround on the figures last week."

The first two lines say what's happening. The last one is the personal detail only you could add.

Does it matter? Deloitte UK surveyed UK adults in 2024. Of those who knew about AI writing tools, 59% said they'd trust an email less if they knew AI wrote it (Deloitte, May 2024).

Check it (3 things)

1. Read it out loud. Does it sound like you'd say it to this person?
2. Shorter. Did the main point move to the first two lines?
3. One human detail. Is there something only you would know, like a thank-you, a shared plan or a real date?

Still check the facts too (see Check before you send). Sounding like you doesn't make it right.

Do this now

Save 2 emails you wrote yourself that you liked. Paste them into the prompt next time you use AI for an email.