How to Use ChatGPT Without Looking Like a Clone

Like what you see? Consider subscribing to get the latest articles here.

Public Service Announcement: If you’re using ChatGPT, don’t just copy and paste what it gives you. 

Seriously. Everyone can tell. 

AI-generated content is everywhere right now. And while there’s nothing wrong with using a tool like ChatGPT to help you work faster or brainstorm smarter, it becomes a problem when you use it without adding your own voice, ideas, or judgment. 

And that’s the problem I see most often. 

People are cranking out robotic, generic content that lacks personality, originality, or even accuracy. And they’re doing it under their own name or their company’s LinkedIn profile. 

It’s risky! Because here’s the thing: 

When your content sounds fake, people assume you are too. 

So, if you want to use ChatGPT (and you should), here are a few rules to protect your credibility: 

1. Use it to draft, not publish. ChatGPT is great for breaking through writer’s block or building a rough outline. But that’s all it should be—a draft. Don’t let it be the final version. Most times, you should be editing like crazy to get it dialed into whatever final deliverable you need. 

2. Rewrite it in your own voice. After you get a decent starting point, take the time to rewrite it. Add your tone, your perspective, your examples. Make it sound like something you’d actually say in a meeting or write in an email. Reading it out loud can be really helpful because as you say the words, you will start to hear what sounds like you and what doesn’t. Edit accordingly. 

3. Ask better prompts. If you start with a generic prompt, you’ll get a generic answer. The better your question, the better the output. Use specific context, roles, tone, and format in your prompt to get closer to what you actually want. I also love to add examples of something I’ve already written. For example, if you want it to make your email sound more professional, feed it 20 of your other emails to learn your style. The more context, the better it works. 

4. Don’t assume it’s right. ChatGPT can sound confident even when it’s wrong. Don’t take anything it says at face value. Fact-check everything—especially numbers, names, and industry references. 

5. Add value. At the end of the day, your clients want information that helps them solve problems or think differently. Through your work and studies over the course of your life, you have picked up some pretty unique experiences and, therefore, some unique ways to provide value. ChatGPT can’t simulate YOUR life’s experiences. You can add value by bringing them to the table. 

6. 6. Keep learning. If you want to get good at using AI, you need to practice. Experiment with new ways to use it in your workflow: summarizing notes, brainstorming headlines, analyzing data, and more. But always run it through your own filter before sharing with others. 

Here’s the bottom line: 

ChatGPT is not a replacement for your brain. You still need to think. When used properly, it can give you leverage. But if you use it lazily, it can damage your reputation. 

So by all means, use it. But don’t forget to think. 

Spark Notes:

1. Everyone can tell when you copy-paste ChatGPT output. Don’t do it. Use it as a draft, not your final product.

2. Make it yours: rewrite in your own voice, add your perspective, and fact-check everything. Robotic content makes you look fake.

3. The magic isn’t in the tool, it’s in how you use it—better prompts, more context, and your lived experiences are what make the content valuable.

4. Bottom line: ChatGPT is leverage, not a brain replacement. If you’re lazy with it, you’ll hurt your credibility. If you’re thoughtful, it’ll make you stronger.