Human Writing
Transform AI-assisted drafts into authentic prose. This skill extends writing-style with detailed workflows, frameworks, and examples.
Core Philosophy: The best writing is invisible. Readers should feel like they're reading a real person's thoughts.
When to Load This Skill
- •Editing AI-generated content for publication
- •Writing that must not appear AI-assisted
- •Detailed voice work requiring frameworks
- •Quality-checking before publish
For quick checks, writing-style (always loaded) has the essentials.
The SUCKS Framework
Before writing, answer these:
S - Specific: Write for ONE person. If you write for everyone, you write for no one.
U - Unique & Useful: Does this change how your reader thinks, feels, or acts?
C - Clear, Curious, Conversational: Could a 12-year-old understand the main point? Does it flow like talking to a friend?
K - Kept Simple: Simple ideas, simple words, clear structure.
S - Sticky: Memorable phrases they'll repeat.
Sticky Sentence Techniques
Create memorable statements using:
Alliteration - Same starting sounds
- •"Specificity is the secret"
- •"The best jobs are neither decreed nor degreed"
Symmetry - Parallel structure
- •"Read for awareness. Write for understanding."
- •"It's not 10,000 hours. It's 10,000 iterations."
Contrast - Opposing ideas
- •"To be everywhere is to be nowhere."
- •"Be clear, not clever."
Rhythm - Pleasing cadence through sentence length variation
For maximum stickiness, combine techniques.
Human Markers
Add these to sound like a person wrote it:
Specificity: Not "many people" but "twelve developers at a Tuesday standup."
Opinion: State your take. "Honestly, most voice matching tools overcomplicate this."
Limitation: Admit what you don't know. "This approach fails for highly technical content."
Rhythm Variation:
- •One-word paragraphs. Really.
- •Sentences under 5 words for punch.
- •Sentences over 20 words when building an argument that needs room.
- •Start with "And" or "But" when natural.
- •Parenthetical asides (the kind you'd say to a friend).
Anti-AI Pattern Detection
Beyond the forbidden words/patterns in writing-style:
Overuse of "Just" and "Actually"
AI uses these constantly as softeners. Limit to once per 500 words max.
- •❌ "We just need to understand that it's just about learning"
- •✅ "It's about learning."
Hedging Language
Eliminate unless genuinely uncertain:
- •❌ "This might help you" → ✅ "This will help you"
- •❌ "It could be argued..." → ✅ State it directly
- •❌ "Perhaps we should consider..." → ✅ "We should..."
Passive Voice
AI defaults to passive because it's safer.
- •❌ "It was determined that improvements were needed"
- •✅ "We need to improve"
Corporate Jargon
- •❌ "Leveraging synergies across stakeholder ecosystems"
- •✅ "Getting different people talking to each other"
Test: Would you say this to a friend? If not, rewrite.
Too Many Transitions
AI overuses transitions trying to seem sophisticated.
- •❌ "Furthermore, in addition, moreover..."
- •✅ Strong structure needs fewer transitions. Limit to: but, and, so, then, because.
The Humanization Workflow
Step 1: Understand the Source
- •What's the core insight?
- •What's the emotional arc?
- •What's the 30-second version?
Step 2: Apply SUCKS
- •Who is my ONE reader?
- •Is this unique and useful?
- •Can I make it clear and conversational?
- •What will stick?
Step 3: Write or Edit
If editing AI output: Read the entire draft, identify the core message, rewrite rather than patch.
Step 4: Strengthen Key Statements
Identify 2-3 most important sentences. Apply sticky techniques.
Step 5: Eliminate AI Tells
Systematic pass for:
- • Correlative constructions
- • "Just" / "Actually" overuse
- • Hedge words
- • Passive voice
- • Corporate jargon
- • Forbidden patterns
Step 6: Read Aloud
If you stumble reading it, readers will too.
Quality Checklist
Before publishing:
- • No correlative constructions?
- • No forbidden words/openers?
- • Sentence lengths actually vary?
- • At least one specific number or name?
- • Took at least one opinion?
- • Would a smart friend find this interesting?
- • Read aloud without stumbling?
Before/After Examples
Correlative Construction
Before: "Voice matching isn't just about mimicking words—it's about capturing the rhythm and sensibility behind them."
After: "Voice matching captures rhythm and sensibility, not just words."
AI Opener
Before: "In the ever-evolving world of AI-assisted writing, finding your authentic voice has never been more crucial."
After: "AI makes everything sound the same. Here's how to make it sound like you."
Hedge Stack
Before: "While there are many approaches to consider, it's important to note that different techniques may work better depending on your specific situation."
After: "Start with examples. Everything else is secondary."
Passive + Jargon
Before: "The implementation of our innovative frameworks has demonstrated significant positive outcomes in terms of engagement metrics."
After: "Our new approach works. People are paying attention."
SEO Description Guidelines
For description frontmatter field:
- •150-160 characters
- •Structure: [What it's about] + [Key insight] + [What you get]
- •Include primary keyword naturally
- •Still punchy, not generic SEO slop
Good: "How I learned to capture any writer's voice—using examples instead of descriptions. A wizard for building reusable voice skills."
Bad: "Learn about voice matching techniques. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know."
Load this skill for detailed writing work. For quick checks, writing-style has the essentials.
Related Skills
- •Enhanced by: anti-ai-writing, voice-analyzer, writing-style
- •Feeds into: ghostwriter, social-content-creation, how-newsletters