Using AI to Adjust the Voice of Written Work
Overview
Students use an AI tool to change the voice of a written draft, specifically adjusting it from appealing to an executive-level or technical audience to one that is unfamiliar with the topic.
Why Use This?
In their professional careers, students often need to communicate the same information to different audiences. This activity helps them learn how they can quickly revise their writing to meet the needs of a new audience, considering factors like familiarity with the topic, background, interests, and values. For example, students might ask AI to revise their work for the general public, a grant committee unfamiliar with their specialty area, community leaders, or another general audience.
How Does It Work?
Students start with an existing piece of writing—such as an executive-style or technical draft—and use at least two AI tools to adjust the voice for a different audience. They use a sample fill-in-the-blank prompt to “translate” their draft into one that can be easily understood by an audience who is unfamiliar with the topic or field. They are also invited to rewrite the prompt for a better response and reflect on their experience.
Here are sample instructions for the activity:
Sample Instructions
Step 1. Choose at least two AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, etc.).
Step 2. Use this sample prompt: Please take this original writing which was written for professionals in the field and rewrite it focusing on the main points for an audience who is unfamiliar with the topic. The audience is __________ (describe your audience and include details such as age, their role, etc.). Here is the original writing ________ (copy and paste it in).
Note: You can also add a second sentence to describe your goals (e.g., get funding, gain support, make decisions, etc.).
Step 3. Carefully evaluate the tool’s response, also called the output, checking for quality and accuracy. Submit follow-up information or questions to the AI tool as needed (e.g., what do you mean by ____?, please give me specific examples, etc.). You may also consider rewriting your prompt to get an improved response.
Step 4. Include a paragraph with your assignment describing your experience using AI tools. Answer the following: Which tools did you use? Which do you think did a better job and why? Any other thoughts?
Keep In Mind
- It is important to pay special attention to the accuracy of the information the student gets from the AI tool and provide the correct information where appropriate. Students may not have the expertise to recognize false information, and AI tools can sometimes “hallucinate” or make up their own information to answer a prompt, including making up false or nonexistent sources.
- Consider reviewing the revision for any missing information that may have gotten lost in the translation from a more experienced, technical audience to a more general or less experienced audience.