Blog · Last checked 15 October 2026
How to Make ChatGPT Write Like You (Not Like a Robot)
Short answer: show ChatGPT three to five things you've written, ask it to describe your style as a set of rules, then save those rules in custom instructions, a project or a skill so it uses them every time.
Why doesn't ChatGPT sound like me already?
Because it has never seen how you write. Memory helps a little, but OpenAI says it "does not retain every detail" and chooses what to use (OpenAI). Telling it "write in my style" without examples is like asking a stranger to do your impression.
How do I teach it my voice in five steps?
1. Gather 3 to 5 real examples. Choose emails, posts or messages you sent and were happy with. Mix short and long. Remove anything private, such as names, numbers and client details.
2. Ask it to analyse, not copy. Paste them and use this prompt:
"Here are some things I've written. Describe my writing style as a list of specific rules someone else could follow: sentence length, words I use and avoid, how I open and close, tone, punctuation habits, and UK or US spelling. Don't rewrite anything yet."
3. Edit the rules. It'll get most of it right. Fix what's wrong, and add your pet hates ("never say 'I hope this email finds you well'").
4. Test it on something real. Ask it to draft a message you actually need to send. Note what still feels off, and add a rule for each thing.
5. Save it so it sticks. Use one of these:
| Where to save your style | Good for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Custom instructions | Using your voice in every chat | 1,500 characters on Free and Go, 5,000 on paid plans (OpenAI) |
| A project | A separate voice for work, or for one client | Project instructions override your global ones inside that project (OpenAI) |
| A skill | Your voice for a specific job, portable to other AIs | The Gemini app accepts skills on free accounts (Google) |
What should a good style guide include?
Here's a short example you can adapt:
My writing style: Short sentences. Friendly but direct. Get to the point in the first line. Use "I" not "we" unless it's the team. Contractions always (I'm, it's). No exclamation marks in work emails. Never: "circle back", "reach out", "delve". Sign off "Thanks, Sam". UK spelling.
Why does this matter so much at work?
Writing is the single biggest thing people use ChatGPT for at work. In OpenAI's own research it was about 40% of work messages, and around two-thirds of writing requests were about editing or improving the person's own text (NBER working paper). If your AI doesn't sound like you, you end up rewriting most of what it gives you.
What are the common mistakes?
- Too few examples. One email isn't a style.
- Only your best, most formal writing. Include everyday messages too.
- Vague rules like "be professional". Specific rules work better: "under 120 words", "one question per email". OpenAI's advice is to be "clear, specific" (OpenAI).
- Pasting private data. Strip names and client details first.
Can I skip the setup?
Yes. MakeASkill asks you a few quick questions about how you write and what you write, then builds your personal writing-voice skill for you. Paste it in once and it works with whichever AI you use. Make my writing skill, free