“Make it sound human” is not a style setting. Human writing has a point of view, specific memories, uneven rhythm, useful constraints, and a reason for existing.
The best workflow is not AI writes, human approves. It is human thinks, AI helps shape, human decides.
Give the tool something only you could have written
Use your real draft, examples, facts, and phrases you want to keep. A paragraph with concrete details gives the rewrite something to preserve. A blank prompt gives it permission to invent a generic version of the topic.
Name the reader and what you want them to do next.
Mark facts, names, citations, or phrases that must not change.
Say what feels wrong: too formal, buried point, repetitive, too long, or unclear.
Ask for a controlled rewrite instead of a completely new piece.
Keep the rough edges that carry meaning
Not every unusual phrase is a mistake. It may be a phrase your team uses, a detail that signals lived experience, or simply the way you talk. A good rewrite removes friction without sanding away all personality.
Use AI for distance and options. Use your own judgment for meaning.
Make the last pass offline from the tool
Read the finished draft aloud. Check the names, dates, claims, and next steps. Then ask a simple question: would I say this to the person it is for?