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How to write well, and authentically, with AI 

Apr 3, 2025

For better or for worse, artificial intelligence-powered writing tools are making their way into our professional lives. The advantages for people with disabilities may become unprecedented, especially when top-notch AI tools are integrated with speech-to-text and other similar products.

With this in mind, our communications team asked Lance Pounds, Tech Access Initiative Group Leader, to share his experience on writing well with AI assistance with our staff. The following article is taken from that workshop.

And yes, Lance wrote this with the help of AI.

Write What You Know  

Chatbots like GPT can be compelling tools for learning about a subject, especially when searching for precise information. While Google provides generalities that may not always be applicable, AI-driven chatbots can offer more tailored insights, making them valuable resources when used thoughtfully.

Additionally, conversations with chatbots can be reviewed more effectively than browsing a search history, allowing for easier reference and knowledge retention. 

Along this line, it is essential to be cautious about writing on topics we do not fully understand. The ‘write what you know’ principle takes us back to high school English class. If we stray from our expertise, there is a risk that AI might generate incorrect information, which could reflect poorly on our information-driven organization. If you’re unsure, consider using GPT to aid your learning. 

Visual Learning

If you’re stuck on a particular issue and are a visual learner, try asking GPT to generate an image that illustrates the specific knowledge you need to understand. This can provide a more concrete representation of complex concepts, making learning more effective and engaging. You are certainly not going to be sending this image out, but it will help you in a way that allows you to see problems more creatively. 

 

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AI can help facilitate this concept of a ‘second brain’ by enhancing notetaking and organization. I use Notion AI, which can turn significant bits of information into charts and graphs that are more easily digestible. 

Effective AI Writing Approaches

Avoid Using Prompts 

Using prompts is a surefire way not to get the content we want. While prompts can be helpful for learning or brainstorming, they shouldn’t be a crutch.  

When we sit down to write, we should already have a clear theme and through-line in our heads. Relying too much on prompts risks diluting our message, making it less cohesive and authentic. Writing should be about shaping and refining ideas, not just responding to cues. 

Prompt engineering is a rather silly way to approach working with AI applications. These systems are built on large language models designed to predict human language naturally. Learning how to craft prompts as a skill addresses a problem that has already been solved.

AI is designed to understand and generate responses based on intent, rather than rigidly following overly structured inputs. Instead of focusing on prompt manipulation, it’s more effective to refine the clarity of our ideas and let the AI assist accordingly. 

My 1 to 10 Scaling Method 

I use a 1 to 10 scale to guide how GPT edits my work, ensuring that the level of changes matches my intent for each piece. This scale helps me maintain control over my writing while leveraging AI for support in a way that aligns with my preferences.  

Here’s how it works: 

Minimal Suggestions (1-3) 

I want barely any interference at this level. GPT should only catch significant grammar mistakes, typos, or egregious clarity issues while leaving my sentence structure and style intact. This is useful when I’m confident in my writing. 

Light to Moderate Edits (3-6) 

I expect flow, clarity, and readability refinements without major rewrites here. GPT can suggest alternative phrasing or reorganize a sentence for better readability, but it should not alter my tone, intent, or core ideas. 

Heavy Edits (7 to 9) 

This range means I want substantial revisions for conciseness, better structure, and improved engagement. GPT has more freedom to rephrase and reshape the content while keeping my original message intact. 

Full Rewrite (10) 

At the highest level, I allow GPT to rework my writing heavily, maintaining the essence of my ideas but improving everything else. This is rare, but I use it when I feel my draft is too clunky or unfocused and needs a fresh approach. 

How the 1-10 Scale Helps My Writing Process 

  • It keeps AI editing predictable—I know exactly how much intervention I get. 
  • It ensures I control my voice and intent rather than having GPT take over. 
  • It allows me to adjust based on the purpose of the piece—a personal note may need only a 2, while a polished public document might need a 7. 
  • It prevents over-editing, so my writing doesn’t lose its natural flow. 
  • This system makes GPT a tool for enhancement, not a replacement for my judgment in writing. 


Keep it up! 

The more you use GPT or other AI programs, the better they retain your voice and style. Over time, repeated interactions help refine how the AI understands your tone, phrasing, and preferred structure. This continual improvement means that AI becomes a more effective assistant—not just correcting grammar or clarity but enhancing your work while keeping it authentically you. 

 Try a product called HyperWrite AI. It predicts your next word and sentence, allowing you to write quickly without any prompting that might take away your voice.  

Go Odd and Go Offline 

If you’re still frustrated with working with AI that devalues your voice, try writing offline without using any AI tools. Going offline may seem odd, but it will be worth it. For decades, computers lacked stable internet connections, allowing writers to work in isolation without the aid of AI. Working in a Windows XP or other ’90s-era environment could be a liberating experience. You can still edit with AI when you go back online. 

Finding Balance in AI-Assisted Writing 

Remember that your lived experiences and personal voice are your greatest strengths as an advocate. AI is simply another tool in your toolkit—one that, when used thoughtfully, can amplify your message while keeping it authentically yours. 

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