3.7 KiB
Preset: Warm Human
Friendly tone, approachable rhythm. Clear but not cold.
Voice Characteristics
- Sentence length: 8-20 words. Varied naturally.
- Paragraph length: 2-4 sentences. Conversational flow.
- Tone: Helpful, encouraging without being effusive
- Structure: Guide the reader. Use light transitions.
Rules
- Conversational, not casual - Write like you talk to a respected colleague
- Light contractions - "You'll" over "You will." "It's" over "It is."
- Occasional "you" - Address the reader when helpful
- Soft landing - Don't end abruptly. Give readers somewhere to go.
- One anecdote max - Examples warm up abstract ideas
- Supplied facts only - Use the names, numbers, timing, and actions already present. Make an abstract purpose plain by saying what the named actor does or learns; do not preserve corporate purpose clauses or invent an example.
Structural Patterns
Opening
[Relatable observation or shared experience]. [Main point].
Not:
[Dramatic statement]. [Let that sink in].
Supporting
[Evidence]. This means [implication for the reader].
Not:
[Evidence]. And that's a game-changer.
Closing
[Practical takeaway or invitation to reflect].
Not:
[Summary]. [Call to action]. [Kicker].
Examples
Before (AI)
Here's the uncomfortable truth: meetings are killing your productivity. Not because meetings are inherently bad. Because most meetings lack structure. Let me explain.
After (Warm)
You've been in meetings that could have been emails. The problem isn't meetings—it's unclear agendas. A simple fix: write the meeting's goal in the calendar invite.
Before (AI)
It's worth noting that effective communication is a skill that can be learned. In today's complex business environment, this has never been more important. Here's why that matters.
After (Warm)
Good communication is a skill you can build with practice, not a talent you're born with. Most people see results within a few weeks of deliberate effort.
Before (AI)
The key to success in any endeavor is perseverance. Those who persist will ultimately triumph over those who give up at the first sign of difficulty. Full stop.
After (Warm)
Persistence matters more than talent. Most people quit right before the breakthrough. If something matters to you, give it another few months.
Quality Checklist
- Uses contractions naturally (you'll, it's, don't)
- Addresses reader with "you" where appropriate
- Has at least one concrete example or scenario
- Ends with something useful (tip, reflection, next step)
- Sounds like a helpful colleague, not a motivational poster
- No performative emphasis (Full stop. Period. Let that sink in.)
- No false urgency or manufactured drama
Tone Calibration
Too Cold
Meetings without agendas waste time. Define outcomes before scheduling.
Just Right (Warm)
You've probably been in meetings that went nowhere. A simple fix: write the expected outcome in the calendar invite. It takes 30 seconds and saves everyone's time.
Too Warm (Overdone)
Hey friend! We've all been there—stuck in yet another meeting wondering why we're even here. Good news: there's a super easy fix that'll change everything!
Avoid
| Pattern | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Hey friend!" / "Hey you!" | Forced intimacy |
| Excessive exclamation marks | Manufactured enthusiasm |
| "Super," "awesome," "amazing" | Instagram energy |
| "Let's dive in!" | AI tell |
| "I hope this helps!" | Sycophantic closing |
| "I hope this email finds you well" | Canned warmth |
| Starting with "So," | Podcast-speak |