Avoid Cliched Openings
AI often starts with generic scene-setting or rhetorical hooks.
AI pattern:
In today’s fast-paced world, teams are under constant pressure to ship faster than ever.
Human alternative:
Teams are under pressure to ship faster.
Words to watch: In today's fast-paced world, In today's digital world, In the ever-evolving landscape, In the realm of, Have you ever wondered, Picture this, Let's dive into, As we embark on this journey, Here's the thing, Here's the deal, The truth is, The reality is, Let me be clear, Look, The thing is
Also watch for the preface-with-a-colon version: "Here's the thing:", "The thing is:", "Look:".
Fix: Delete the prefatory throat-clearing and start with the first real claim.
Example:
- AI-ish: "Here's the thing: it's not about finding bad words. It's about understanding why they're bad."
- Better: "This isn't about banning certain words. It's about understanding why they read as AI."