AI can’t replace the human writer. But it can do a whole load of other jobs faster, better and more efficiently.
I recently hosted the annual copywriters’ conference CopyCon on the theme of ‘AI versus Humanity’. Last week, I gave a talk to the National Women’s Register on ‘The Human Writer in the AI World’. And every time I speak to fellow writers or deliver a training course on writing, the subject of AI invariably comes up.
It sometimes feels as if AI is the only thing writers are talking about.
Friend or foe?
Do human writers have reason for concern? Are the likes of ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Claude the PR professional’s friend or foe?
Personally, I prefer to write my own original content. I enjoy writing. I believe I’m good at it. And I feel satisfied that I’ve done a worthwhile job when I’m finished.
But do I dismiss AI from my writing work? Hell, no.
It can do stuff I can’t do, don’t want to do, and/or would take so long to do, I’d give up and do something else.
Here are 10 things I’ve asked Claude to do – and the 10 responses that have saved me time, energy and sanity.
- Suggest some alternatives to the overused ‘but’ in writing.
Claude gave me a list – yet, although, however, while, whereas, (al)though, even so and only – and great examples of where each works best.
- Read two course workbooks that look identical.
Claude analysed both in seconds, showed me where the differences were and suggested which one appeared to be the most recent.
- List the key elements of a good press release for a training course.
Claude broke the elements into headline, opening, body, quote and ending – and provided excellent examples of each.
- Write a back cover description for a novel from the synopsis.
Claude wrote several based on different characters and events. I chose and blended the best.
- Proofread a short stage play before submitting it to a competition.
Claude found six actual mistakes and three inconsistencies.
- Provide examples where a missing apostrophe completely changes the meaning.
Claude came up with six categories with three examples in each.
- Help me write creatively every day.
Claude created a daily writing accountability system based on Duolingo’s nudges, rewards and streaks.
- Horizon scan emerging consumer complaints before they happen.
Claude found 5 issues across three sectors: financial services and insurance, subscription traps and auto-renewals, online shopping and pricing.
- Advise on the launch of a new cybersecurity tool aimed at mid-sized businesses.
Claude detailed 5 key strategies: stakeholder research; lead with outcomes; adopt so-what test; structure for scannability; bridge technical and business language.
- Check this post for reader suitability, flow and accuracy.
Claude produced a detailed response, explained why some aspects worked well, suggested improvements for others, spotted a couple of typos.
If you want to learn more about using AI effectively as a writer, I run a half-day workshop for the PRCA How to make AI your best content creation assistant. I can also create a bespoke workshop for your organisation.
