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How to Catch AI in Your Genealogy Writing to Maintain Your Voice
- Devon Noel Lee
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Have you ever tried using AI to help with your writing, only to think... "This doesn’t sound like me at all"?
You’re not alone!
Stacey left a great comment recently:
“I just cannot get behind generative AI. And if I want to publish something, I just want to stay away. Even if I don't think I will ever traditionally publish.”
Stacey, I hear you loud and clear. It’s your story. Your voice. And if AI tries to flatten that into something generic? Nope. Not happening.
Today’s Tiny Tip is simple:💡 Learn to spot the AI tone—so you can kick it out before it sneaks into your family stories.
You don’t have to publish anything AI writes word-for-word. In fact, if you use AI at all, think of it like a brainstorming buddy, not a ghostwriter. Here’s how to tell when AI is creeping into your drafts—and how to fix it fast.
How to Catch the AI Tone in Your Genealogy Writing
When AI sneaks into your writing, it often leaves little clues. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Robotic Transitions
AI loves stiff, formal transitions that sound straight out of a 1950s textbook.
Look for phrases like:
"It is imperative to note…"
"One might reasonably conclude…"
"One cannot deny…"
If it sounds like your old high school history book? It's probably not you.
2. Overly Polished Phrasing
AI tries to smooth out all the natural wrinkles in language—but guess what?Your voice lives in those wrinkles.
Be cautious if you see phrases like:
"The tapestry of human experience…"
"Across the annals of time…"
Real people don't usually talk like that when sharing family stories.
3. Strange Verb Choices
Good writing advice often encourages using strong verbs. But AI sometimes gets a little too strong—and weird.
Watch for verbs like:
"Explore"
"Delve"
"Highlight"
"Underscore"
Sure, these words are fine now and then—but if you would normally say “dig into,” “talk about,” or “show off,” trust your gut.
4. Overly Formal or Neutral Tone
AI tends to write in a "safe" voice that's so professional, it feels soulless.
Compare these two sentences:
AI-style: "Genealogy offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain insight into their ancestral roots and better understand historical context."
Real voice: "Digging into your family tree is one of the best ways to figure out where you came from—and why Uncle Frank is the way he is."
See the difference?If something sounds like it belongs in a brochure—or could’ve been written by anybody—it's time to bring your voice back in.
How to Fix It
Once you catch those red flags, here’s how to make the writing truly yours:
✨ Read it out loud. If you stumble or cringe, that’s a clue.
✨ Rewrite like you’re talking to your favorite cousin. Imagine someone who likes family history but isn’t a total genealogy nerd.
✨ Add your quirks. Use your favorite expressions, metaphors, or humor.
✨ Simplify or complicate as needed. If you love short sentences, break things up. If you love long, detailed ones, flesh them out.
✨ Drop in personal anecdotes. Nothing sounds more genuine than real-life moments.
↪️ Do you want to write a family history book?
Grab your copy of this FREE Writing Guide.
Bonus Tip: Use an AI Checker (If You’re Unsure)
If you’re not sure whether something sounds like you—or like a friendly robot with a PhD—you can use a checker!
🛠️ My personal favorite: Grammarly’s AI Checker
It flags overly formal phrases and scans for plagiarism. Super handy, especially if you're starting with AI drafts.
Funny side note: My daughter had to run her college essay through a plagiarism checker... and it flagged her for copying herself.
Yes, she reused a paragraph from an earlier assignment. Oops!
Awkward? A little.
Effective? Absolutely.
Other AI/Plagiarism Detectors to Try:
GPTZero — Built for teachers, great for spotting robotic phrasing
Writer.com AI Detector — Quick and user-friendly
Turnitin — Widely used by schools (probably what flagged my daughter!)
Sapling.ai AI Detector — Great for workplace writing and family historians alike
These tools won’t fix your writing—but they’re like a second set of eyes.
The Real Secret: Your Voice Matters
AI is just a starting point—kind of like a clumsy intern handing you a messy first draft.
Your true voice shines when you reshape, rewrite, and add your heart into every line.
You do have a voice worth publishing—even if it’s just for your family.
💬 Got a line of AI writing that just doesn’t sound like you?
Drop it in the comments—I’ll help you rework it into something that sounds more like you.