How to Use AI to Strengthen Your Written Communication

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Ever wonder if your message is landing the way you intend? 

In this episode of One Simple Thing… 

You'll discover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to refine your writing, without losing your human voice. 

This isn’t about outsourcing your message. It’s about coaching yourself to be clearer, more intentional, and more confident in what you write and send to others.

You'll learn:

• How AI can act as your writing mirror
• The power of asking better questions
• Why AI doesn’t replace your voice - it sharpens it

Curious?

🎧 Listen now and test this out for yourself.

This is part of our One Simple Thing Mini-Series on using AI to become a better leader - while staying human.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to Leading People with me, gerry Marais.
This week, it's One SimpleThing, where in each episode, I
share a quick, actionable tip tohelp you bring out the best in
yourself and others the best inyourself and others.
One Simple Thing is created foryoung leaders, but hey, us

(00:34):
older folks can still learn athing or two.
Ask my dog.
He's learned a few new tricksrecently.
Here's a question for you whenwas the last time you paused
before hitting send on animportant message and asked
yourself will this land the wayI want it to?
In the previous episode of OneSimple Thing, we looked at how
to craft emails that land well,with the right tone, clarity and

(00:55):
call to action.
But what if you've alreadywritten the message and you're
not sure it's working?
We've all been there writingsomething and then thinking does
this sound right?
Will they get the message?
Is this too formal, too vague?
And the good news you don'thave to figure it out all alone.

(01:16):
Which brings me to today's onesimple thing how to use AI to
strengthen your writtencommunication without losing
your human voice.
Now let's get one thingstraight from the get-go this
isn't about outsourcing yourvoice.

(01:37):
It's about using AI tools likeChatGPT as a mirror, an editor
and a thought partner, not towrite for you, but to help you
write more clearly,intentionally and effectively.
Here's how I use it.
I often draft a message andthen ask the GPT questions such

(02:02):
as Can you make this moreconcise without losing warmth?
Does this sound too formal?
Summarize this in three bulletpoints for me, please.
Or I run the message through acustom checklist, such as a
quintillion check who, what, why, how, when, where and so what.

(02:28):
And yes, ai helps me apply myown frameworks better.
The trick is I stay in control.
Ai gives me clarity, but I giveit purpose.
Why does this matter?
There are three reasons.
Number one, you improve fasterbecause you get instant feedback

(02:49):
.
Number two, you clarify yourown thinking because you have to
explain it to the AI first.
And number three, you feel moreconfident sending high-stakes
messages because you've alreadytested them.
Ai doesn't replace your voice,it reveals it.
Wait, you mean I can coachmyself using AI?

(03:12):
Yes, when you know how to askthe GPT the right questions.
Now let's talk about skepticismfor a moment.
Some leaders worry that AImakes your messages robotic or
inaccurate, and that's valid ifyou're asking the AI to do the
thinking for you, but that's notwhat I'm suggesting.

(03:35):
I'm suggesting you use it likeyou'd use a coach Ask questions,
reflect, refine.
You are still the leader, youare still the communicator and
you are still in charge.
Ai just helps you slow down,test your tone and sharpen your
message.

(03:58):
So next time you write somethingimportant an email, a proposal,
a team update Run it past an AItool, ask it.
What might be unclear, is thistoo long?
How could I improve thestructure, etc.
Then edit, decide and own it.
And that's another one simplething.

(04:21):
Thanks for tuning in.
Remember small steps can leadto big changes.
Test out this one simple thingand notice how it transforms
your day.
Let me know how you get on.

(04:42):
Reach out on LinkedIn andconnect with me.
Mention the podcast and ifyou'd like to learn more One
Simple Things, then subscribe tothis podcast on your favorite
podcast channel and follow ourLinkedIn Leading People page

(05:02):
Leading People page.
In our next episode of OneSimple Thing, we'll explore
another easy way to be a greatleader by bringing out the best
in yourself and those around you.
And in between, you can checkout one of my longer
conversations with leadingpeople about yes, you've guessed

(05:26):
it leading people.
So until then, keep exploringand stay curious.