Teach AI to Speak The Way YOU Want to Be Spoken To

There's no such thing as "Oversharing" with your LLMs

If you're working with multiple LLMs to create a "virtual writers' room," it helps to think of your other "intelligences" as brilliant but weird interns / assistants / partners. They don't quite know you, don't quite know how the world works (yet), and don't quite know what you're really trying to do with your work.

Just like orienting a new team member, you need to set clear expectations and provide context. But unlike human interns who might pick up cues from your tone or body language, AI needs explicit written guidance. The most effective way to "train" your AI assistants is through two essential documents that will transform them from generic chatbots into personalized writing partners who understand:

• Your unique voice, experience, and goals

• The specific project you're working on

• How to communicate with you in the most helpful way

I'll show you how to create these documents, which you can use with all of your LLMs, and then where you can upload those documents to give you the best shot of success in working with your AI.

THE "WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ME" DOCUMENT

Just as you'd orient a new team member to your working style and background, your AI needs a clear picture of who you are as a writer. Create this document in Google Docs, writing in first person as if introducing yourself to a trusted colleague.

Your Creative Vision

Start with the fundamentals that drive your work:

• What kinds of stories or topics ignite your passion?

• What unique perspective do you bring to your writing?

• What do you hope to achieve with your work, both short and long-term?

Your Work Process

Help your AI understand how to best support your creative routine:

• When and how do you typically write? (Morning person? Night owl?)

• What's your ideal feedback style? (Direct? Gentle? Detail-oriented?)

• How do you organize your work? (Note systems, file structures, etc.)

• What are your time constraints and daily responsibilities?

Your Background & Experience

Give context to your writing journey:

• What's your writing and professional background?

• Which skills are you confident about?

• Where do you want to grow?

Your Influences & Inspiration

This is crucial - AI has studied countless works and can better align with your vision when it understands:

• Which writers inspire you?

• What books, films, or other media influence your style?

• Which works capture the tone you're aiming for?

Remember: Unlike human collaborators, AI won't get overwhelmed with details. The more context you provide, the better it can adapt to your needs.

THE "WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY PROJECT" DOCUMENT

Your AI writing partners need a comprehensive understanding of your project to provide relevant, focused assistance. Think of this document as your creative brief—a roadmap that keeps everyone aligned with your vision.

Project Fundamentals

• Format and scope (novel, screenplay, article series, etc.)

• Target length and timeline

• Where this fits in your broader body of work

• Any non-negotiable elements or requirements

Vision & Purpose

• The core message or story you're trying to tell

• Why this project matters now

• What makes your approach unique

• The change you want to create in your readers

Audience & Impact

• Who are you writing for? (Be specific about demographics, interests, and needs)

• What do they currently believe about your topic?

• How do you want them to think or feel differently after engaging with your work?

• Where will they encounter your work?

Creative Framework

• Key themes and motifs

• Tone and style guidelines

• Similar works in the market (and how yours differs)

• Specific techniques or approaches you want to employ

Working Parameters

• Your deadline and milestones

• Available research or source material

• Areas where you specifically want AI assistance

• Any content restrictions or guidelines

TEACHING AI YOUR WRITING STYLE

Your writing style is your unique fingerprint—it's how readers recognize your voice. Teaching this to AI requires both examples and explicit guidance.

Provide Writing Samples

• Upload 2-3 pieces that best represent your voice

• Include different formats (articles, stories, blog posts)

• Highlight specific passages that showcase your style

• Explain what makes each sample distinctive

Define Your Stylistic Elements

Tell the AI specifically about your:

• Sentence structure preferences (short and punchy vs. flowing)

• Vocabulary choices (casual, technical, literary)

• Narrative perspective (first person, third person, etc.)

• Signature techniques (metaphors, humor, dialogue style)

Style Reference Guide

Create a quick-reference guide noting:

• Words/phrases you commonly use

• Words/phrases you avoid

• Tone markers (formal, conversational, academic)

• Structural preferences (paragraph length, transitions)

Course Correction

When AI drifts from your style:

1. Identify the specific deviation

2. Show a parallel example of your preferred approach

3. Use this prompt: "Revise this to match my style from [example]. Focus on [specific element]."

4. Ask AI to explain its understanding of the adjustment

Starting Fresh?

If you're beginning a new project:

• Share writing samples from your influences

• Write a short (500-word) style sample

• List specific stylistic elements you want to incorporate

• Update your style guide as your voice evolves

IMPLEMENTING YOUR AI WRITING SETUP

Now that you've created your documentation, here's how to implement it across different AI platforms:

Claude (Anthropic)

• Open Settings → Custom Instructions

• Paste your "About Me" document in the "How would you like Claude to respond?" section

• For each new chat, paste relevant project documentation in your initial prompt

• Pro tip: Save project-specific instructions as templates for quick access

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

• Access Custom Instructions in your profile settings

• Break your documentation into "What would you like GPT to know about you?" and "How would you like GPT to respond?"

• For GPTs you create: Include full documentation in the system prompt

• Remember: Custom instructions persist across conversations until changed

Google Gemini

• Use the "Configure" option in chat settings

• Upload your documents as context files

• Consider creating separate profiles for different writing projects

• Note: Gemini retains context well between sessions

Best Practices

• Keep a master copy of your documentation in cloud storage

• Update all platforms when you refine your instructions

• Test responses after setup to ensure proper implementation

• Save successful prompts and interactions for future reference

This is an excerpt from my guide "How To Create Your Virtual Writers' Room." There's TWO ways to get it — referring a friend or subscribing.