Check Out This Podcast

I recently discovered a podcast that I think everyone would enjoy. It’s called “What It’s Like To Be…” from bestselling author, Dan Heath. In his podcast, he interviews someone from a different profession, such as a deli owner, a hospice nurse, or a couples therapist. Each episode gives a behind-the-scenes look into their work lives. He asks the questions that many of us want to know, and his guests are ready to share their stories. The host ends these podcasts with a lightning round of questions. I’m good at lightning rounds, so I thought I’d give it a shot from my perspective as a writer and content creator.

What’s the first question people usually ask you when they hear what you do for a living?

How does ChatGPT and AI affect your work? I always tell people that, like anything else, AI is a tool that makes our lives easier. I use it myself at times when I need to synthesize an interview or come up with an outline for a workshop I’m teaching. I am aware that people use it to write anything from emails to blogs to website copy. I tell them not to push the “easy button” too fast. Yes, AI is a terrific tool to create a first draft, but never a final draft. The version you post should sound like you, not a bot. Your readers will know that it’s not your voice. Trust me, they can tell. The more authentic you are in your own writing the better the results.

What’s a tool specific to your profession that you particularly like using?

I use lots of different tools, but my favorite is a thesaurus. It doesn’t matter if it’s the analog, hardback version on my bookshelf or the digital ones I can find on Google. I love looking up commonplace words and discovering a more sophisticated one to use instead.

For example, in that last sentence, I used the word “sophisticated” instead of “better.” I think it offsets the word “commonplace” nicely. 

I also have books about word choice because knowing the slightest nuances in the definition of a word and using it correctly makes my writing that much better. One of my favorite reference books in this area is “How to Tell Fate From Destiny and Other Skillful Word Distinctions” by Charles Harrington Elster. If you want to improve your writing, I highly recommend it.

What is an aspect of your work that you consistently savor?

I love it when an idea for a blog post comes out of nowhere. One minute I’m running errands, and the next, I see something that inspires me to write for my platform or a client’s website. It’s such a thrill for me to connect two seemingly random things and write something that I know will resonate with people. Not only that, but it reminds me that I’m good at what I do, and my creativity is something I can contribute to the world. (It’s not bad for my imposter syndrome either! 😂)

How would you answer these questions about your job? And do you agree with my thoughts about AI? Let me know in the comments.

XO,

Elisa