How to stop writing like everyone else

Hello Geneva,

Everyone wants their writing to sound different.

But most people end up writing the same way (thanks, high school English class).

The problem is that once you've developed a writing pattern, it's hard to break out of it.

The good news? With AI, it's easier than ever to mix different voices and tones to build a style that truly sounds like you.

And today, I have a simple tool to help you find your tone: The Tone Grid.

Will Hoekenga, the copywriter behind Toast and Drift, shared this concept on his blog last year. It's a simple tool that helps you pin down your tone and avoid sounding like everyone else.

Here's how it works:

Build your tone with "The Tone Grid"

The Tone Grid has two axes:

• X axis: Loose vs. tight copy

• Y axis: Irreverent vs. Professional

Most people stay in the middle, the "Neutral Zone". Their writing is structured and friendly. It's pleasant. But it's forgettable.

On the other hand, step into the "Distinctive or Extreme Zone", and you'll stand out. Your writing will have real personality. And readers will notice.

Think of Apple. Tight, polished copy that sells without looking like it's trying.

"Incredibly thin. Incredibly powerful."

Or Basecamp. Loose, conversational. Like a smart friend giving you advice.

"Not everything under the sun, just what you need to move forward."

Let's look at two different authors:

Example: Amélie Nothomb

She lives in the tight, polished corner.

Her sentences are clean and punchy.

"Life begins where looking begins."

It's clear. It sticks.

Example: Frédéric Beigbeder

He's in the loose, irreverent zone.

"Everything is for sale: love, art, planet Earth, you, me."

He's cynical, provocative and memorable.

You can clearly see where these two authors sit on the Tone Grid.

With this simple tool, you can:

• Stand out from other writers

• Stick in readers' minds

• Build trust through consistency

In short, tone is what makes you distinctive, memorable, and even more credible online.

The key is knowing where YOU want to be on the grid. Then adjust your writing to hit that sweet spot. And if you don't know your tone yet, you can use AI to find your ideal spot on the grid.

Now, let's put it into practice.

The Tone Grid Prompt

Most AI writing tools start in neutral mode: professional and structured.

But the Tone Grid prompt lets you adjust that. You can push the AI to be more casual, more formal, funnier or more serious.

Here's a prompt to use AI to find your ideal tone:

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