You Own What You Write
When you use AI to help write something, you own the output. The document represents you. You're responsible for the message, the accuracy, and the clarity.
AI is a tool that amplifies your input, whether good or bad. If you provide clear context and details, you get better output. If your input is vague, the output will be too.
The Reality of Writing with AI
Here's what's true:
- It's never right the first time. AI output always needs editing.
- Quality input = quality output. Your context, details, and instructions matter enormously.
- Sometimes it's faster to just write it yourself. Especially for short, straightforward messages.
- The revision tradeoff is real. You might save time drafting, but spend it all revising.
So why use AI at all? Because you can reduce revision cycles dramatically by being strategic upfront.
The Challenge: AI Embellishes
AI has a distinct calling card: it embellishes.
What should be clear and direct often becomes loaded with:
- Unnecessary adjectives and qualifiers
- Verbose explanations where brevity would serve better
- Hyperbole that doesn't belong in professional communication
- Flowery language that fatigues the reader
No one likes reader fatigue. But it's particularly problematic when you're communicating requirements, specifications, decisions, or any information where clarity is critical.
The Solution: Instruct Strunk Style Upfront
Don't just edit after. Instruct clearly from the start.
Instead of letting AI embellish and then spending time stripping it back, tell AI to write in Strunk style from the beginning. This reduces your revision cycles significantly.
Prompt Template
Write [type of document] using Strunk & White principles:
- Remove unnecessary words and redundant phrases
- Use active voice over passive voice
- Replace weak qualifiers with direct statements
- Keep only what serves clarity and precision
- Be direct and concise
Context: [Your detailed context, requirements, decisions, etc.]
[Any additional specific instructions]Alternative: Clean Up After Drafting
If you've already drafted content with AI and need to clean it up:
Apply Strunk & White's writing principles to this document:
- Remove unnecessary words and redundant phrases
- Use active voice over passive voice
- Replace weak qualifiers with direct statements
- Keep only what serves clarity and precision
- Maintain all technical details and context
[Paste your AI-generated content here]When This Matters Most
Apply this editing step to any document where:
- Readers need to understand requirements or specifications
- Quick comprehension and decision-making are important
- Precision and clarity are non-negotiable
- You're communicating to busy stakeholders or teammates
Examples
AI-Generated (Before):
"The system should ideally be designed in such a way that it can efficiently handle a significant number of concurrent users while maintaining optimal performance levels."
After Strunk Edit:
"The system must handle 10,000 concurrent users without performance degradation."
AI-Generated (Before):
"It would be highly beneficial for the team to implement a comprehensive approach to documenting the various decisions that are made throughout the project lifecycle."
After Strunk Edit:
"Document all project decisions as they're made."
Key Takeaways
- You own what you write. AI-generated content represents you and your judgment.
- Your input quality matters. Clear context and instructions = better output.
- It's never perfect the first time. Always edit before sharing.
- Reader fatigue is real. Respect your reader's time and attention.
- Sometimes writing yourself is faster. Know when the revision tradeoff isn't worth it.
Bottom Line
AI is a drafting partner, not a ghostwriter. You're responsible for the message. You're the editor who ensures clarity and accuracy.
Use AI to accelerate your thinking and drafting. Use Strunk principles to ensure your message lands clearly.