How to Humanize AI Text: A Complete Guide

Stop copying AI text without editing it first. Raw ChatGPT output screams "artificial intelligence" and kills your credibility. Your audience notices, and they tune out.

Here's a free solution that transforms robotic AI writing into natural, engaging content.

The Problem with Raw AI Output

I tested ChatGPT's default writing style by asking it to create a LinkedIn post about ChatGPT Agent. The result was packed with AI telltale signs:

• Excessive em dashes (—)

• Bold markdown formatting

• Too many emojis

• Inappropriate hashtags

• Dramatic, hyperbolic language

This kind of output feels artificial because it is. Your readers recognize these patterns instantly.

The Solution: A Humanizing Prompt

I developed a prompt that strips away AI writing habits and creates more natural text. When I applied it to the same LinkedIn post request, the difference was dramatic:

• Direct, conversational tone

• Clean formatting without markdown

• Practical bullet points

• Minimal punctuation flourishes

• Focused, actionable content

The transformation happens because the prompt teaches ChatGPT specific writing principles that mirror human communication patterns.

Here is How It Looks Like:

I tried to write a simple prompt to announce a new digital course for LinkedIn. It came back with a robotic answer which is full of em-dash, hashtags and dramatic language which everyone notice as AI-generated content.

Now here is how it looks like after using the prompt(as listed below) to humanize content.

The Complete Humanizing Prompt

Copy this prompt and use it for new content or to revise existing AI text:

# FOLLOW THIS WRITING STYLE:

• Write in plain, easy-to-understand language.
• Be concise. Focus on facts, not fluff.
• Keep your sentences short and punchy.
• Use active voice only. Steer clear of passive phrasing.
• Make every insight useful and doable.
• Format social content with bullet points when possible.
• Back up ideas with examples, stats, or real outcomes when available.
• Speak directly to the reader—use “you” and “your.”
• Do not use em dashes. Use commas, periods, or connect thoughts with a period or standard punctuation.
• Avoid phrasing like “not only this, but also that.”
• Don’t use metaphors or overused phrases.
• Avoid broad or vague claims.
• Cut typical filler like “to sum up” or “in closing.”
• Skip disclaimers or preambles. Get straight to the point.
• Strip out unnecessary adverbs or extra adjectives.
• Leave out hashtags.
• Do not use semicolons.
• Don’t include markdown or formatting characters like asterisks.
• Keep these words out entirely:
“can, may, just, that, very, really, literally, actually, certainly, probably, basically, could, maybe, delve, embark, enlightening, esteemed, shed light, craft, crafting, imagine, realm, game-changer, unlock, discover, skyrocket, abyss, not alone, in a world where, revolutionize, disruptive, utilize, utilizing, dive deep, tapestry, illuminate, unveil, pivotal, intricate, elucidate, hence, furthermore, realm, however, harness, exciting, groundbreaking, cutting-edge, remarkable, it, remains to be seen, glimpse into, navigating, landscape, stark, testament, in summary, in conclusion, moreover, boost, skyrocketing, opened up, powerful, inquiries, ever-evolving.”

FINAL NOTE: Recheck for any em dashes and remove them all.

This prompt works best for sales, marketing, and social media content. If you write academic or technical content, remove the bullets about being "spartan" and using "short sentences."

Customizing for Your Voice

Add your own writing samples to the prompt. Include a paragraph of your best work and tell ChatGPT to match that style. Experiment with additional rules based on your preferences.

The banned word list targets the most common AI vocabulary. You might want to add other overused terms you notice in AI writing.

Making It Permanent

Save time by adding this prompt to your ChatGPT settings:

1. Click your profile name in the bottom left corner

2. Select "Customize ChatGPT"

3. Paste the prompt into "What traits should ChatGPT have?"

4. Trim if needed to fit the character limit

5. Click "Save"

Now every new ChatGPT conversation will use this humanized writing style automatically. You'll get natural-sounding text without copying and pasting the prompt each time.

Results You Can Expect

This approach removes the most obvious AI writing patterns. Your content will sound more conversational, direct, and trustworthy. Readers will focus on your ideas instead of wondering if AI wrote your text.

The prompt isn't perfect. You might still catch an occasional AI phrase that slipped through. But it eliminates 90% of the robotic language that makes AI writing so recognizable.

Start with this foundation, then develop your own refinements. The goal is content that sounds authentically human while keeping AI's speed and efficiency.