What I learned about writing a major report with AI tools

I recently completed a major report for a client. Here's what I learned about the power - and limitations, of AI for writing.

As part of my growth strategy, I take on projects that I expect to be highly challenging. And that's what I did with this one:

• In a niche I am less familiar with.
• With tens of interview transcripts.
• Report to contain thought leadership.

No pain, no gain, right?

Separately, I've always made it a point to leverage AI tools since the day ChatGPT came out. So how did that go? Armed with my bag of AI tools, here's what I learned.

Cannot be done by AI alone

The pace at which AI improves with each new model can be worrisome, even for early adopters. But looking at the final report, it's amply clear that AI won't be able to replicate it.

Humans are still needed. For now.

AI made many things easier

I'd be lying if I said AI tools didn't make certain aspects of the work massively easier. I mean, would you do any serious writing today without a spellcheck or a proofreading tool? No?

You should not avoid using AI tools either.

There is no secret prompt

So how did I use AI? There are too many to list here. Just like there's no one way to use a hammer or chisel, there is no ready set of prompts to use with AI.

To learn AI, you have to start using it.

Writing has changed

Regardless of your thoughts about AI, AI has changed writing. I've often written about how I use generative AI in my work.

• There are situations where AI falls flat on its face.
• There were also instances of astounding outputs.

The key is to weave the best of AI with human experience, guidance and creativity.

How has AI helped you?