Nov 26 / Sau Cheng, Trainer

Writing Smarter with AI: 3 Skills to Make It Work

Unlock the full potential of AI in your writing! Generative AI can speed up the process, but real magic happens when you master the skills. Start with a clear purpose, craft precise prompts, and refine AI outputs to add the perfect human touch. With the right balance, AI becomes your ultimate writing sidekick—helping you create smarter, more effective content. ✍️✨
Generative AI is changing the way we write. With a full-fledged draft generated by just a simple click, many of us may be tempted to take the easy route. But, is that truly effective writing? Good writing goes beyond accepting AI outputs at face value; it requires thoughtful collaboration with AI by mastering three core skills: Planning, Prompt Engineering, and Editing AI Outputs.

1. Plan your Purpose 

Start with a clear goal: What do you want your reader to know? What action should they take? What emotions are you trying to invoke? How should your points be ordered? How do you want your writing to be structured?

A solid plan gives AI direction. By skipping this step, you will waste time in the later stages fixing scattered drafts.

2. Craft Better Prompts

Precise prompts are the secret to quality AI outputs. Be specific and context-rich: Instead of asking the AI to “Write about teamwork”, try “Write a 500-word motivational blog on teamwork’s role in achieving project goals with examples of collaboration”.

Good prompt engineering aligns outputs with your goals, therefore reducing the need for heavy editing.

3. Edit AI Outputs

Now, editing is where the real challenge lies among these 3 skill areas. While AI can generate content, it often lacks nuance, critical thinking, and contextual understanding. Strong editing requires a solid foundation in grammar, tone and audience awareness. Without mastering these basics, “you don’t know what you don’t know” and will therefore end up struggling to identify and rectify issues in AI-generated content.

With good editing skills, this step becomes fine-tuning instead of a lengthy rewrite.

Balance is Key

These skills work hand-in-hand. Invest less time in planning or prompting, and editing becomes labour-intensive and frustrating.

Generative AI is not meant to replace writers, but to support them. With the right balance in these three areas, you can unlock AI’s true potential to enhance your writing process. These skills ensure you remain in control in the driver’s seat, using AI as a tool to empower your creativity, efficiency, and clarity.
P.S.: This image is AI-generated. Stay tuned to this space for more tips on leveraging AI to enhance your writing and other soft skills.