Ever wished your AI writing could hit just the right vibe—like channeling Nike’s “just do it” energy or Oprah’s warm, inspirational magic? Well, buckle up because you’re about to discover how to make your AI content sound like the brand or personality of your dreams.
Here’s the deal: ChatGPT can write with almost any tone if you know how to steer it. Whether you’re crafting emails, social posts, or blogs, matching the right tone can mean the difference between meh and OMG, I love this! Let’s dive into what tone adjustments are, why some voices are easier to nail than others, and how to test it out like a pro.
What’s a Tone of Voice Anyway?
Think of tone as the personality behind your words. It’s how your message feels to the reader—serious or playful, snarky or supportive. With ChatGPT, you can guide the AI to write in different styles by referencing brands, celebrities, or specific tone descriptions.
For example:
- Want to sound smart and sleek? Think Apple—the kind of voice that whispers in your ear while showcasing shiny gadgets in slow motion.
- Going for friendly and funny? Channel Wendy’s—because who doesn’t love a side of sass with their nuggets?
- Need warm and encouraging? Say hello to Oprah—the queen of making you believe you’re just one breakthrough away from greatness.
The magic happens in your prompt. The clearer you are about the vibe you want, the better ChatGPT can match it. Vague prompts? Not today, friend.
The AI Collaboration Equation: You-Do-You Approach
Let’s talk strategy. Enter the AI Collaboration Equation, a 20-60-20 formula that I fondly call “You-Do-You.” It’s all about getting the best from generative AI tools. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 20% You: Start by choosing the right tools and crafting effective prompts. Nail this part, and your AI output will shine like a freshly polished trophy.
- 60% Do: Let AI do the heavy lifting, generating content based on your input. This is where you sit back and sip your coffee.
- 20% You: Review, validate, and tailor the AI’s output. The better you get at the first 20%, the less work you’ll need in the final 20%. (And if you’re still doing most of the work here, revisit step one—your AI intern needs a little training.)
Why Some Voices Crush It (and Others Flop)
Let’s get real—AI isn’t magic; it’s smart pattern matching. So why does it work great with some tones and not others? Here’s the scoop:
- Consistency Is Key: Brands like Nike and Apple have super-clear messaging, so AI can easily pick up their style. On the flip side, a brand that’s all over the place? Not so much.
- Familiarity Helps: If a brand or celebrity is in the spotlight a lot (Wendy’s Twitter roasts, anyone?), ChatGPT has more examples to work from.
- Clarity of Voice: Vague prompts like “Write like a cool brand” don’t work. Be specific: “Write like a trendy startup that’s fun but professional.” AI may be smart, but it’s not a mind reader (yet).
How to Test (and Nail) a Tone
Testing tone is easier than finding a good taco on Taco Tuesday. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Write a Neutral Paragraph
Start with something basic, like:
“Our product helps businesses grow faster.”
Step 2: Prompt ChatGPT to Rewrite It
Try multiple tones:
- Apple: “Revolutionize your business growth with simplicity.” Picture this being read aloud by a calming voice while a minimalist white background fades into product shots.
- Wendy’s: “Grow faster. Crush it harder. All the cool kids are doing it.” Now imagine this coming with a wink and a side-eye, followed by, “You’re not not growing fast, are you?”
- Oprah: “Let’s grow your business together. You deserve to thrive.” And don’t forget to mentally add, “And YOU get a thriving business, and YOU get a thriving business!”
Step 3: Compare the Outputs
Which one vibes with your audience? Which one feels off? Refine and repeat until you’re convinced the tone could double as your brand’s new spokesperson.
Discovering Your Tone of Voice Through AI
Want to know your current tone? Upload some of your past content to ChatGPT and let it analyze your style. You might discover you’re unintentionally leaning into a tone you didn’t expect—like boring corporate handbook chic. Once you know your tone, add it to your custom instructions in ChatGPT for consistent future outputs. (No shade to corporate chic—just, you know, spice it up when needed.)
Examples to Inspire You
Here’s a cheat sheet to kickstart your tone experiments:
Brands to Try
- HubSpot: Helpful and informative, like a well-prepared teacher who also packs snacks. This is my recommend tone of voice to start with as it will generally work for most corporates or associations.
- AppSumo: Quirky and energetic, like your hyper-creative friend with a million side hustles.
- Patagonia: Thoughtful and eco-conscious, like the friend who reminds you to recycle before your coffee cup hits the trash.
Celebrities/Authors
- Elon Musk: Bold and a little eccentric—think “Mars is cool, let’s go!”
- Taylor Swift: Relatable and heartfelt—“Your business deserves a solution that says, ‘Look what you made me do.’ This isn’t just growth—it’s a reputation reset.” (Cue the epic mic drop.)
Tone Descriptions
- Professional vs. Casual
- Snarky vs. Serious
- Persuasive vs. Informative
Pro Tip: Try combining tones too! Imagine Apple’s sleekness with Wendy’s sass—like a sleek product ad that ends with, “Also, we’re funnier than you expected.”
Pro Tips to Step Up Your Game
- Mix and Match: Try layering tones like: “Write like Oprah, but add a touch of Tesla’s futuristic flair.”
- Refine, Refine, Refine: Ask ChatGPT to tweak its output: “Make it friendlier” or “Add a playful twist.”
- Test for Fit: Run side-by-side comparisons and get feedback from your team—or even your customers. Bonus points if someone laughs.
- Add to Custom Instructions: Remember that you can add Custom Instructions for ChatGPT that will apply to all your generated content going forward – this tone of voice is a perfect addition there!
Wrapping It Up
Adjusting tone isn’t just a fun experiment—it’s a superpower. Whether you’re going for Nike’s energy, Oprah’s warmth, or Wendy’s sass, the key is clear prompts, testing, and refining.
Your Next Step: Write a simple paragraph, pick a brand or personality, and let ChatGPT work its magic. Don’t forget to share your results—what worked, what didn’t, and what tone nailed your vibe.
Go on, get creative—you’ve got this! ?
