How to Make ChatGPT Sound More Human: Tips, Prompts, and Best Practices
Ever asked ChatGPT to write something and it ended up sounding more like a robot than a person? You're not alone. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Mistral are incredibly powerful, they sometimes fall short in sounding genuinely human. The good news? You can tweak your prompts to make them respond in a much more natural, conversational tone.
Whether you're using AI for writing blog posts, emails, customer support, or storytelling, making the output feel authentic is key. In this guide, we'll explore how to make ChatGPT and other AI models sound more human, share advanced prompt examples, and give you practical advice on what works—and what doesn't.
You can try out all of the tips and prompt examples mentioned here using a free account on Claila, where you can test various language models side by side—like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Mistral.
Why Human-Like AI Responses Matter
We interact with content all day—from blog posts to emails to social media captions. If that content doesn't feel personable or relatable, people lose interest fast. That's why sounding human is crucial when using AI to generate content.
A human-like AI response:
- Holds attention
- Builds trust with the reader
- Feels authentic and natural
- Is more engaging and persuasive
Imagine trying to write a product description for a cozy blanket. A robotic description might list the specs and dimensions, while a human-sounding one might say, "It's like being wrapped in a warm hug on a cold winter night.” Which one makes you want to buy it?
Key Characteristics of Human-Sounding AI Output
Before diving headfirst into prompt engineering, it's helpful to understand what actually makes a response feel more human. One big factor? A conversational tone. Think contractions like "doesn't” instead of "does not,” and using casual, friendly phrasing. The goal is to sound like you're chatting with a friend, not delivering a lecture.
Now, let's talk emotions—people resonate with messages that have soul. Infusing your writing with emotional depth—whether it's excitement, frustration, empathy, or joy—immediately adds a human touch. No one warms up to a robot spitting facts without feeling.
What really makes text come alive, though, are personal stories or nods to real experiences. Even if they're totally made up, personal anecdotes or references help build connection. It's like saying, "Hey, I've been there too,” even if you haven't.
Another key point—real humans don't communicate in flawless, punchy bullet points. We ramble a bit, double back, mash up ideas. Complex sentence structures, with plenty of twists and turns, make your writing reflect that natural, human chaos.
And don't underestimate the power of a chuckle. Throwing in a little humor or wit—nothing over the top—can be enough to pull someone in and keep them reading. Bonus points if it feels like a personality is shining through.
Oh, and perfection? Totally overrated. A sprinkle of imperfection—missed commas, slightly awkward phrasing—isn't a flaw; it's a feature. Embracing a bit of messiness makes your writing more authentic and, ironically, more effective.
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Sound More Human
Prompting is an art. How you ask determines what you get. Here's a breakdown of key strategies to improve AI output:
1. Use Natural Language in Your Prompt
If your input sounds like it came from a textbook, the output probably will too. Speak to the model like you're talking to a friend or colleague.
Less Human:
Write an informative article about coffee brewing techniques.
More Human:
I'm working on a blog for coffee lovers. Can you help me write a fun and relatable article that breaks down different coffee brewing methods in simple terms?
Notice the tone shift? The second one sets the model up to be more conversational.
2. Give It a Voice or Persona
You can guide the model to adopt a specific tone by assigning it a role.
Prompt Example:
You're a witty barista explaining pour-over vs. French press methods to a curious customer. Keep it casual, a bit cheeky, but informative.
This kind of instruction helps shape the narrative style dramatically.
3. Ask for Imperfection
This may sound counterintuitive, but perfect writing doesn't feel human. Real people pause, insert filler words, and go off on tangents occasionally. Try asking the model to write in a more organic, slightly messy way.
Prompt Example:
Write a story about a failed dinner date. Make it sound like someone's telling the story to a friend—rambling a bit, adding in silly details, and sounding a little embarrassed.
You'll be surprised at how much more believable and charming the output becomes.
Complex Prompt Examples to Try on Claila
Claila lets you test prompts using ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Mistral, and others, all in one place. Here are a few advanced prompts designed to make AI output feel more real.
1. Storytelling Prompt
You're a 30-something reminiscing about a childhood summer spent at your grandparent's farm. The tone should be nostalgic, with specific sensory details—like the smell of the barn or the sound of cicadas at night. Make it feel like a blog post someone might write on Medium.
2. Persuasive Copywriting Prompt
Pretend you're a lifestyle influencer writing an Instagram caption about why you switched from paper planners to digital ones. Make it sound casual, a little funny, and totally honest—like you're chatting with your followers over coffee.
3. Teaching Prompt
You're mentoring a high school student who's nervous about writing their first speech. Explain how to structure a great speech, but keep the language light, supportive, and super encouraging. Imagine you're an older sibling giving advice.
4. Customer Support Prompt
You're a friendly customer support rep responding to a frustrated user who can't log in. Be super empathetic, use a calm tone, and add a touch of humor if appropriate. Don't sound scripted.
You can modify these prompts on Claila to test how different models handle nuance and tone. It's a great way to see which one suits your voice or brand style best.
Tips for Making AI Sound More Human
Looking to seriously level up your AI writing? You're in good company. One of the first pro tips is to steer clear of those bland, overly general prompts like "Write an article about X.” Instead, give your request some personality—think about adding tone, context, even the intended vibe. The more direction you provide, the more natural and engaging your AI-generated content will sound.
Another simple trick for making your writing sound more human? Don't be afraid of contractions. Throw in an "it's” instead of "it is” or a "they've” instead of "they have.” It's a small change, but it really smooths out the flow and keeps things feeling conversational and relaxed.
Now, here's where it gets fun—pepper in a few filler words or even a cheeky rhetorical question now and then. Phrases like "you know?” or "Ever wonder why your cat stares at you like you're a weirdo?” can make all the difference in crafting something that sounds like a person, not a machine. It's a stylistic move that brings warmth and personality to your writing.
When it comes to descriptions, detail is your best friend. Sensory language can elevate even the most basic sentence. Why say "a big storm” when you could say "wind howled like a pack of wolves outside the window”? That kind of vivid imagery draws readers in and holds their attention.
Don't forget to dig into the emotional side of things, too. Asking the AI for internal thoughts or feelings—like what a character might secretly be thinking—adds a layer of relatability and can really connect with readers. It makes the content feel more authentic and less like it was spit out by an algorithm. That extra depth goes a long way.
Finally, don't overdo it on the polish. It might be tempting to make every sentence perfect, but ultra-slick writing often ends up sounding sterile. If it reads like something a robot in a sci-fi flick might say, scale it back. Loosen it up a little. And of course, after all is said and done, give the AI's draft a quick once-over. A human touch—no matter how small—often makes the difference between "decent” and "wow, that's great.”
References:
What to Avoid When Crafting Human-Sounding Prompts
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can make choices that don't quite hit the mark—especially when working with AI. One common misstep? Leaning too heavily on a single model. Each AI has its own set of strengths and blind spots. Exploring different options through tools like Claila can give you a better sense of which model fits your needs best.
Another easy trap to fall into is asking the AI to sound "professional" or "formal" when it's not really necessary. Sure, there are times when that tone is appropriate, but often it just makes the output feel robotic or awkward. If you're just trying to communicate clearly and naturally, it's better to let the tone stay relaxed and conversational.
When crafting your prompt, resist the urge to throw in everything but the kitchen sink. Overloading your request with too many instructions might seem helpful, but it usually just confuses the model. A clear, focused prompt tends to produce much better results.
Also, don't be discouraged if the first output isn't perfect. That's actually pretty normal! Treat it like a rough draft and give the model feedback or tweak your prompt. A few rounds of iteration can make all the difference and take your content from "meh” to spot-on.
Lastly, be mindful of your word choice, especially when it comes to technical language. Using jargon can alienate your audience if they're not familiar with the terms. When in doubt, opt for clarity over complexity—your readers (and your AI assistant) will thank you for it.
The Magic of Iteration: Keep Tuning Your Prompt
Here's a real-life example. Let's say you're creating a welcome email for a new app. Your first prompt might be:
Write a welcome email for our new users.
The result? Probably bland.
Try this instead:
Write a friendly and upbeat welcome email for our new app users. Imagine you're the app's co-founder, genuinely excited about the user's journey. Keep it short, warm, and a little playful.
Still not perfect? Tweak again:
Now add a light joke at the beginning, and end with an invitation to reply if they have questions. Make the tone feel like a personal message.
Keep refining until it clicks. This process may take a few tries, but the results are worth it.
Test Multiple Models with One Free Tool
One of the best ways to find the most natural-sounding AI output is by testing across different models. ChatGPT may excel at structured writing. Claude might deliver a softer tone. Mistral could surprise you with wit. And Grok? Great for conversational energy.
Instead of signing up for each platform individually, use Claila to test all of them in one place. With a free account, you can:
- Compare outputs side by side
- Save and reuse prompts
- Sample image generators and other AI productivity tools
- Choose the best model for your tone, task, or brand
It's like a one-stop shop for exploring the AI playground.
Making your AI sound more human isn't about tricking people—it's about connecting with them. With the right prompts, tools, and mindset, you can go from robotic replies to content that feels warm, witty, and wonderfully human.
