AI isn’t a storyteller.

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It’s a mirror.

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It reflects whatever you give it.

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If your thinking is messy?

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Your output will be too.

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In this episode of The Storyteller’s Edge, we’re breaking down the 20/60/20 framework that helps you use AI without losing your message—or your voice.

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AI can write longer.

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It can even write smarter.

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But it can’t think for you.

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And it definitely can’t care for you.

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Here’s why it breaks down:

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1. Fuzzy Inputs = Fuzzy Outputs
   If your idea isn’t sharp, AI can’t sharpen it for you.
2. Smart-Sounding Fluff
   AI can sound "smart" without saying anything meaningful.
   
3. Your Voice Gets Washed Out
   When you outsource too soon, you lose the human edge that makes people trust you.
4. No Story, No Stickiness
   AI can summarize facts. But it can’t build emotional tension or make an idea matter.

Here’s how to use AI the right way—so you stay in control of your message:

1. 20%: You Frame the Story First

Before you touch AI, you need a clear rough draft.

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Not a polished one. But a thoughtful one.

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- Who’s your audience?

- What’s the core idea you want them to take away?

- What tension or change are you highlighting?

- What’s your unique point of view?

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💡 AI can't find the story for you. You have to show it where to dig.

2. 60%: Use AI as a Clarifier, Not a Creator

Once you have the bones, now you can bring AI in.

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Here’s how to use it well:

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- Tighten structure

- Suggest tone shifts (curious, contrarian, bold)

- Spot logical gaps or weak transitions

- Surface supporting data, stories, and examples

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Important:
Treat AI like a writing partner.
Have a conversation. Push back. Challenge assumptions.
Don’t just accept the first thing it spits out.

3. 20%: Human-Only Final Polish

Step away from the keyboard and read it out loud.

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Ask yourself:

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✔ Does this sound like me?
✔ Does it align with my brand voice and messaging pillars?
✔ Would my audience recognize this as mine—or could it belong to anyone?
✔ Does it make a clear, emotional impact—or just sound "nice"?

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If not, go back into the 60% stage and keep refining.

🎯 Bonus GPT Prompt: Sharpen Your Message Before You Scale It

Once you’ve got your story and rough message written out, use this to make sure it holds up before you build content around it.

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Copy and paste this into ChatGPT (or your tool of choice):

Act like a messaging strategist.

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I’m going to give you a rough, unpolished version of something I’m trying to communicate, along with some background context or story.

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Your job is to specifically:

- Highlight anything that’s confusing, weak, or too generic

- Suggest one way I could immediately strengthen the clarity or emotional impact

- Recommend how I can better frame my difference so it’s obvious why someone should care

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Here’s the background or story behind it:
[Insert context, story, or what inspired this message]

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Here’s what I’m trying to say (unpolished version):
[Insert your rough draft here]

Takeaways

• AI is a mirror, not a magician—it can’t fix a messy message
• The 20/60/20 framework keeps you in the driver’s seat
• Story first. Collaboration second. Polish last.
• Read your final message out loud—it should feel unmistakably you
• Use the pressure-test prompt before you create full content

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