Using AI as a Writing and Research Partner

Unlocking Creativity, Clarity, and Collaboration

In today’s digital age, writers, educators, and business professionals increasingly turn to AI as a resourceful writing partner and assistant. Whether brainstorming, refining content, or developing learning material, AI tools like ChatGPT bring substantial value to the writing process. Here’s a look at how ChatGPT can enhance writing, from idea generation to final edits, along with real question examples showcasing AI’s versatility in fields like learning and development, business, and client engagement.

[Future video tutorials will showcase how I use multiple AI platforms and tools together, including tips on how to use a new Podcast AI tool. Subscribe on YouTube to be notified.]

 

1. Idea Generation and Creativity Boosts

One of the most challenging parts of writing can be getting started. AI tools spark creativity, suggesting ideas and topics based on current trends, audience interests, and relevant keywords. By feeding AI key phrases or concepts, professionals can quickly access various angles, saving time and enriching brainstorming sessions.

For example, if you’re looking to create engaging content for clients or professional development materials, you can prompt AI with questions such as:

• “What are the top learning and development topics for today’s facilitators?”
• “Can you suggest blog ideas on client engagement in a hybrid workspace?”
• “What would be relevant video topics for Regier Education Inc.?”
• “What topics are employees searching for in training, such as in LinkedIn, YouTube or Google searches?”
• “In the voice of Patricia Regier, Regier Education Inc., write a blog about this topic [add your topic]?”

2. Structuring and Organizing Content

Once an idea forms, organizing thoughts can still be challenging, especially for longer or more complex pieces. AI can assist in structuring outlines, ensuring ideas flow logically and support the central argument or narrative. This is especially helpful when developing learning and development programs, as AI can guide how to scaffold content to support understanding and engagement.

Example questions that help with structure might be:

• “How should I structure a micro-learning course on facilitation techniques?”
• “What’s a logical outline for a blog post about working with clients in consulting?”
• “How can I organize a training module content [add your content and brain dump of thoughts and facts]?”

3. Refining Language and Tone

Maintaining the right tone and readability for a target audience is essential. AI excels in suggesting language adjustments, helping professionals switch between formal, conversational, and instructional tones as needed. This is particularly useful for client-facing content or facilitation materials, where clarity and tone directly impact engagement and understanding.

Example questions to adjust language and tone include:

• “Can you make this blog post sound more conversational?”
• “How do I simplify this training content for entry-level learners?”
• “Can you adjust this client proposal to sound more personable?”

4. Research and Fact-Checking

AI can be a quick ally for checking facts, gathering data, and providing references for professional writing. AI can generate a summary or compile information on specific topics, such as industry standards, proposal writing tips, or learning trends, with just a prompt.

Try these questions to incorporate research and improve accuracy:

• “What are the current trends in corporate learning and development?”
• “Can you summarize best practices in facilitation for online learning?”
• “From these tracked hours and comments, what are the main tasks I completed working on this client project, and what is the time breakdown?”

5. Editing, Proofreading, and Iterative Improvement

Even after the main content is written, AI is valuable for editing and polishing drafts. Its editing tools can detect grammatical issues, suggest more concise wording, and even offer alternatives for repetitive phrases. AI can also be a sounding board during revisions, especially when experimenting with different phrasings or points.

Consider asking:

• “Can you proofread this training manual for errors?”
• “How can I rephrase this section on learning objectives for clarity?”
• “Can you review this blog post draft and suggest improvements?”
• “Can you rewrite these references and citations in proper APA style and put them alphabetically?”

6. Inspiring Consistency and Productivity

One of the unsung benefits of using AI as a writing partner is the consistency it brings. The steady availability of ideas, edits, and support can boost a writer’s productivity, offering a reliable outlet whenever inspiration strikes. By using AI to generate initial drafts, brainstorm, or edit on the go, professionals can maximize their output without sacrificing quality.

Example questions to maintain consistency include:

• “Are there additional services I should consider offering for Regier Education Inc.?”
• “Can you review recent content for consistency in tone and style across my blog?”
• “How can I rewrite or elevate my blog (my words) as a LinkedIn article, with a quote and reference?”
• “How can I align this training content with our brand voice?”

7. Giving You a Confidence Boost and a Different Perspective

Resume-Related Prompt Questions

• Matching Skills to Job Postings
  • How does my resume align with this job posting?
  • Can you highlight which skills in my resume match the required skills listed in this job description?
  • Are there any skills from this job posting I can demonstrate more strongly on my resume?
• Skill Strengthening
  • How can I improve my resume to highlight my experience with [specific skill or requirement]?
  • Are there ways to demonstrate my experience with [a particular responsibility or technology] even if it’s not explicitly mentioned on my resume?
  • Can you help me phrase my experience with [specific skill] to sound more impactful or relevant?
• General Resume Improvements
  • Do you see any gaps in my resume that I could address to strengthen it for future opportunities?
  • Based on the topics I’ve covered in blogs and videos, are any skills or accomplishments missing from my resume?
  • Can you review my resume for areas where it could be more concise or compelling?
• Alignment with Personal Branding
  • Does my resume align with my brand and the content I share on my website or YouTube channel?
  • How can I incorporate my instructional design expertise into my resume more effectively?

8. Embracing AI as a Collaborative Tool

In essence, AI is reshaping how we approach writing and content creation. Far from replacing human creativity, it is a collaborative writing partner and assistant, refining, inspiring, and clarifying ideas. When used thoughtfully, AI can be a powerful ally for any writer, making the writing process smoother, quicker, and more enjoyable. Using AI as a Writing Partner can unlock Creativity and clarity, saving time and brain power.

“We are the magic in this process.”

You get what you put in! You need to ask thoughtful questions and dig deeper at times. Ultimately, you need to read everything, not just copy and paste and rewrite in your own words. You may also need to keep prompting to focus on what you need and ask additional questions. It’s often not just a one-question process; this is where critical thinking skills are used. Check your bias and where AI is pulling content from. Also consider any bias from the platform and challenge it.

“Transparency and Ownership are Essential.”

By viewing AI as a co-creator rather than a tool, professionals can harness its strengths to develop content that resonates with their audience, deepens engagement, and fulfills the purpose of their message. Unpack and examine if you or others have an issue using AI as a resource and tool. Have an open discussion on how to use this tool for innovation. Use AI for client proposals, professional content development, resume updating or brainstorming for learning materials, and many more contexts. AI can support and expand creative horizons.

“You are contributing to the training of the tool”

To conclude, you are part of the growth and learning for the AI tools you use. Contributing to the bigger picture ensures that various perspectives are collected, and then it can become part of the output. The AI tool is learning, but we are also learning. We are learning to use critical thinking to get more from the platforms with effective prompts. Did you also know that being polite could also shape the outcomes on the platform? Do you say thank you? When you ask for improvements, are you kind, with constructive and specific expectations communicated? Here is a fun example of what happens when you are polite.