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All images are masterpieces born from the creativity of generative AI.
All images are masterpieces born from the creativity of generative AI.

The art of style and tone with generative AI

By Ankit Chopra | 07 July 2023

Generative writing appears to be a delightful gift to all—just type anything and the answer appears, voila! But, as we began this journey, which people were cheering for and celebrating, we observed that the writing style and tone it produced seemed to ring in our years. The responses to your questions were all written in the same style. With a little screen time, we could easily tell what was humanly authored and what was generated by AI.

There was a problem. If we all wrote in the default tone AI used, there would be little difference between a great writer and an average writer because all would appear the same after a while.

As our team of writers gathered at Cretorial, all of whom had spent significant time testing AI generated content, we felt something had to be done. We couldn't let AI degrade our writing abilities, but how was the question? Was there a way to improve the text AI generated? Make it different? Make it sound original? Let’s dive in.

The road to mastering tones

As we dug more into AI experimentation, we noticed that the prompts were not the problem, but the failure to recommend a tone style was. The results appear to be fine, but the tones appeared to be the same, making the results seem templatized.

For instance, let’s assume you’re writing a blog post about the benefits of solar power for homes. You use your AI writing tool to craft an introductory paragraph:

“Embrace the power of the sun and its transformational impact on modern homes. Solar energy presents a sustainable, eco-friendly solution, reducing electricity bills, increasing property value, and fostering energy independence. In this blog post, discover the undeniable benefits of solar power for homes, and how it paves the way towards a brighter and cleaner energy future.”

Now, you instruct your AI to write it energetically, and it responds:

“Get ready to harness the incredible power of the sun and revolutionize your home! Solar energy is the game-changer you've been waiting for, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly solution that slashes electricity bills, boosts property value, and gives you total energy independence. In this electrifying blog post, we'll dive into the exhilarating benefits of solar power for homes, propelling you towards a dazzling, cleaner energy future. Say goodbye to traditional energy sources and get amped up for a brighter, greener tomorrow!”

If you ask it to rewrite the above paragraph in a quirky tone, the result is:

“Get ready to ride the solar coaster and embark on an out-of-this-world journey for your home! Say hello to the sun's superpowers, the quirky and eco-friendly solar energy! It's like magic – slashing those dreadful electricity bills, boosting your home's value, and breaking free from the grid like a rebellious eco-warrior! In this whimsical blog post, we'll unveil the fantastical benefits of solar power for homes, turning your dwelling into a whimsical, eco-friendly wonderland. Let's unleash the solar fun and dance our way towards a brighter, cleaner, and slightly quirky energy future!”

As you can see, the content changed without modifying the opening prompt, but just by changing the tone of voice. It appeared to be new and different from the first paragraph. This is what a tone shift does to content. Similarly, you can experiment with such styles to see what twist it adds to your own content; we guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Adding value to your content

Creating wonderful content is not a happy accident, but rather the result of establishing a clear purpose and setting expectations. It is accomplished by refining your prompt several times, upleveling it, providing it with a clear example of the tone of the content you are seeking for, and then asking it to replicate it. You can also instruct the AI to answer in a specific manner to particular queries in order to improve it.

Exploring different writing styles

AI writing tools can adapt to different writing styles, tone and voice. All it depends is on the style and tone you need for your content. From persuasive, to engaging to formal, you have multiple options to explore from.

For instance, let’s pick our previous paragraph and experiment with different styles:

Formal: Welcome to the realm of solar power, where the potent influence of the sun transforms modern homes. Solar energy emerges as an enduring, eco-conscious solution, profoundly impacting homeowners by curbing electricity expenses, enhancing property value, and fostering self-reliance in energy consumption. Within the confines of this blog post, we invite you to explore the indisputable merits of solar power for homes, illuminating the path toward a more radiant and sustainable energy future.

Persuasive: Don't miss out on the game-changing power of solar energy for your home! Embrace this sustainable, eco-friendly solution that reduces electricity bills, increases property value, and fosters energy independence. In this blog post, you'll uncover the undeniable benefits of solar power for homes, paving the way towards a brighter and cleaner energy future. Take action today and seize the opportunity to transform your home with the sun's brilliance! Join the solar revolution and make a real difference for your wallet and the planet. Click here to learn more and embark on a greener, more cost-effective journey!

Friendly: Hey there! Ready to discover the amazing power of the sun for your home? Embrace solar energy – it's eco-friendly and can cut your electricity bills, boost your property value, and give you energy independence. This blog post is all about the fantastic benefits of solar power for homes, and trust me, it's a game-changer! Let's brighten up your future with cleaner energy. So, why wait? Let's dive in and learn how to bring sunshine into your life! Come on; let's explore the sunny side together!

Engaging : Hey, sunshine-seeker! Ready to embark on an electrifying journey with the sun's incredible power for your home? Say hello to solar energy – the green, money-saving wizard that'll zap those electricity bills, amp up your property value, and set you free from the energy grid! Get pumped for this blog post, where we'll reveal the mind-blowing benefits of solar power for homes. It's a total game-changer, and you won't believe how it brightens your future with cleaner, greener energy. So buckle up, my friend, and let's ride this solar wave together!

Guidelines for tone and style

Different sectors require a variety of writing styles and tones in order to properly deliver your message to the intended audience. Let's look at a few examples:

1. Formal and Professional (Business and Finance):

Content Type: Business reports, financial analysis, professional emails.

Tone: Serious, authoritative, and objective.

Style: Use formal language, avoid contractions, and maintain a professional demeanor. Provide well-researched data and back your statements with credible sources.

2. Casual and Conversational (Lifestyle and Travel):

Content Type: Travel blogs, lifestyle articles, personal narratives.

Tone: Relatable, friendly, and engaging.

Style: Write in a conversational manner, using everyday language. Share personal experiences and anecdotes to connect with readers on a more intimate level.

3. Educational and Informative (Academic and Technology):

Content Type: Research papers, technology guides, educational content.

Tone: Knowledgeable, informative, and precise.

Style: Be clear and concise, avoid jargon when possible, and structure your content logically. Use evidence to support your claims and maintain an authoritative voice.

4. Empathetic and Supportive (Healthcare and Wellness):

Content Type: Healthcare blogs, mental health articles, wellness guides.

Tone: Compassionate, understanding, and encouraging.

Style: Show empathy in your writing, acknowledging the challenges your readers may face. Provide practical advice and solutions to help them improve their well-being.

5. Creative and Imaginative (Arts and Entertainment):

Content Type: Creative writing, entertainment news, artistic reviews.

Tone: Imaginative, expressive, and artistic.

Style: Use literary devices to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery. Let your creativity flow and engage readers' imaginations.

6. Urgent and Action-Oriented (Non-profit and Activism):

Content Type: Call-to-action campaigns, fundraising appeals, urgent announcements.

Tone: Urgent, persuasive, and motivating.

Style: Use strong, compelling language to prompt immediate action. Clearly state the problem and the impact of potential solutions.

Transitioning within an article

Now that we are clear on the guidelines for tones and style, what if we want to change the tone of different sections within an article—how would that affect description and headings.

Let us understand with an example:

Let's consider a hypothetical blog article about a travel destination, where the tone changes from informative and formal in the first section to enthusiastic and adventurous in the second section.

Section 1: Informative and Formal Tone

Title: Exploring the Enchanting Landmarks of XYZ City

Description: In this section, we will take an in-depth look at the historically rich and architecturally astounding landmarks that grace the city of XYZ. From ancient castles to iconic cathedrals, prepare to be amazed by the cultural heritage this destination has to offer.

Headings:

The Majestic XYZ Castle

Unraveling the Secrets of XYZ Cathedral

The Artistic Wonders of XYZ Museum

Navigating the Streets of XYZ: A Historical Walking Tour

Section 2: Enthusiastic and Adventurous Tone

Title : Embracing the Thrills: XYZ City's Outdoor Escapades

Description: Hold on to your hats as we dive into the adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures that XYZ city has to offer! Get ready to experience heart-racing moments with thrilling hiking trails, captivating wildlife encounters, and exhilarating water sports. This section will make your inner adventurer leap with joy!

Headings:

Conquering the Heights: Hiking the XYZ Peak

Up Close with Nature: Wildlife Safari through XYZ National Park

Riding the Waves: Surfing and Jet Skiing at XYZ's Beach Paradise

Camping Under the Stars: An Overnight Adventure in XYZ's Wilderness

Explanation: In the first section, the tone is informative and formal, aimed at providing historical and cultural insights into the landmarks of XYZ city. The description sets the expectation of an educational journey, while the headings are descriptive and straightforward, focusing on each landmark.

As the article flows into the second section, the tone transforms to enthusiastic and adventurous. The description now excites readers, using dynamic language and exclamation to promise thrilling experiences. The headings also adapt to this shift, becoming more action-oriented and enticing, inviting readers to embrace outdoor escapades.

By employing this tone change, the article caters to different reader preferences. Those interested in history and architecture will find the first section engaging, while adventure seekers will be drawn to the second section. The clear shift in tone through descriptions and headings ensures a smooth transition and a captivating reading experience.

Ending note: These are just a few samples of tone and writing styles you might try out to see what works best for you. We, at Cretorial, understand different content types and the tone and writing style needed to engage the end user. This is the difference between highly engaging content and mediocre content that produces no results. Partner with Cretorial today and witness how generative writing paired with the best prompt engineers can shape your future!

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