Chapter 1: The Essence of Relatable Writing

In my journey through self-help literature over the last decade, I've reached a saturation point. It seems like every self-help expert simply reads a book, paraphrases it, and draws a few surface-level conclusions. However, with the advent of advanced AI like ChatGPT, the need for thorough reading has diminished, leading to an avalanche of generic content that lacks authenticity.

What I crave is genuine advice that resonates with our shared human experience. Here are some fundamental truths about people that can help us connect better through our writing:

1. People Are Drawn to Other People, Not Just Their Work.

We admire intelligent individuals and often consume their content with the hope of emulating them. Even if they wrote about something as mundane as "horse tails," I would still be inclined to purchase it. Their personality shines through their work, allowing us to absorb a bit of their wisdom. But remember, while our work serves as a medium, we must inject our unique opinions and emotions into it to foster real connections.

However, let's not get too self-absorbed. Our lives can often be mundane, and that's why some personal bloggers on platforms like Medium express frustration about their low engagement. Yes, we love people, but we need a solid body of work to truly captivate an audience. Our chosen work showcases the best of us, providing insights into our thoughts and potential.

2. The Power of Storytelling

Life is inherently narrative. For instance, imagine a lighthearted scenario: you and your partner arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo and decide to enjoy a whimsical ride on the blue and pink swan boats at Ueno Park. As you paddle joyfully, you decide to take a selfie, but suddenly your swan collides with another! In the chaos, your phone slips into the water, and a nearby Japanese woman scolds your husband. You leap into the water, only to find it's shallow and your panic was unwarranted. Eventually, laughter ensues all around.

This little tale illustrates that life unfolds in stories, typically following a three-act structure: a beginning, a conflict in the middle, and a resolution at the end. This narrative style is applicable across various fields, whether in education or entertainment. Crafting a compelling story takes practice, but once you master it, you'll find a special connection with your audience. People inherently respond to stories, making it easier for them to relate to your message.

3. Emphasizing Reader Value

This is where it becomes slightly tricky. How do we share our stories while ensuring they don't revolve solely around ourselves? The answer lies in value. What can readers gain from your narrative? Your story should either educate or entertain—and ideally both. Even the most mundane experiences can be transformed into valuable lessons by emphasizing their moral or emotional components. This approach is key to becoming a useful writer and, ultimately, earning a living from your craft.

4. Respecting People's Time

Wasting someone's time is the ultimate faux pas in writing. Readers appreciate brevity, especially when they sense that valuable insights are concealed within your text. Aim to write concisely and get straight to the point.

The two main areas where writers often waste words are in the introduction—where they state what they intend to discuss—and in the conclusion—where they reiterate what they've already covered. As Shakespeare famously said, "Brevity is the soul of wit."

In conclusion, to truly engage your audience, provide what they cherish. Even if you doubt your credibility, remember that authenticity resonates. Your truth will appeal to those who matter, while AI-generated content may lack the emotional depth needed to inspire real change. Our stories have a unique power; let’s harness that, focusing on the human experience, being useful, and avoiding unnecessary repetition.

The first video, "I Found The Secret to Humanizing AI Content - It's Not What You Think," dives into the nuances of making AI-generated content relatable and engaging.

The second video, "How I 'Humanize' ChatGPT AI Content," explores practical strategies for giving a human touch to AI writing, enhancing its relatability.

Chapter 2: Crafting Stories That Resonate

In this chapter, we will delve deeper into the art of storytelling and how to effectively communicate your message through relatable narratives.