🗣 Make Your Own GPT Speak Just Like You in Minutes

I. Introduction to Style Training for GPT Responses

Imagine having an assistant who not only follows your instructions but even talks like you - matching your tone, using your phrases, and reflecting your personality. That’s what style training does for GPT responses. It’s all about shaping GPT to "get" your unique style so that every response feels like it could’ve come straight from you.

Ah, this is another lesson in the “Build & Train Custom GPTs” from our AI Mastery AZ Course. Yesterday, I received so many emails asking about 1 more lesson preview, and here it is guys. Enjoy!

Why Style Training Matters

When GPT aligns with your style, the result is a more cohesive, engaging experience. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• Consistency Across the Board: For businesses, freelancers, or anyone with an audience, consistency builds trust. When readers see the same tone in your emails, social media, and blog posts, it makes everything feel polished and professional.

• Personalized Engagement: A unique style is like a personal handshake for your audience. When GPT nails that, it doesn’t just respond—it connects. Imagine a customer service bot that’s not only helpful but also has your brand’s friendly, quirky touch!

• Better User Experience: We all know that poorly worded responses can feel jarring or robotic. Training GPT with your tone reduces that chance, keeping responses smooth and natural. Your style training keeps things on-brand and on-point.

The Tools and Techniques We’ll Use

Throughout this lesson, we’ll go over different methods to bring GPT in line with your style:

• Prompt Crafting and Iteration: Simple tweaks in prompt wording can work wonders, but it takes practice to get it right. We’ll explore examples to help refine prompts until they hit that perfect tone.

• Plugins and Third-Party Tools: For some, plugins add an extra layer of customization. Want GPT to read from a data file or have access to specific details? There’s a plugin for that!

• Advanced Options for Coders: If you or your team has coding skills, there’s the option to integrate custom data sources through Python for a super-specific style.

Each of these methods has its own strengths. We'll show them one by one so you can choose the approach that best suits your needs and experience level.

II. Understanding Your Style and Tone

To get GPT responses to sound like you, first, let’s break down what your style actually is. It’s like setting a GPS: if you don’t clearly know where you’re headed, you’ll end up wandering. This section is all about recognizing those unique elements that make your writing yours and getting them ready to train GPT.

Defining Your Unique Style

Think of your style as a mix of personality, vocabulary, and tone. Here’s how you can break it down:

1. Tone: This is the “attitude” in your writing. Are you usually casual and friendly, or formal and to-the-point? For instance:

   • Casual: “Hey there! Hope you’re doing great!”

   • Formal: “Good afternoon. I hope this message finds you well.”

2. Vocabulary: What kinds of words do you naturally lean toward? Do you use short, punchy language, or do you go for more complex terms?

   • For example, if you’re a fitness coach, do you say “workout” or “exercise routine”? Small differences like these add up to form a recognizable style.

3. Pacing and Sentence Structure: This is all about flow. Some people prefer short, snappy sentences that get right to the point, while others prefer longer, flowing sentences with a bit more description. Think about what feels more “you”:

   • Snappy: “Let’s get started. This is going to be fun!”

   • Detailed: “Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to outline everything we’ll cover. I think you’re going to love this journey!”

Gathering Writing Samples

Now that you know what to look for, gather samples of your own writing. This could be anything that shows off your natural tone:

• Emails: Professional, personal—whatever feels most true to your voice.

• Blog posts or articles: If you write for a website or newsletter, grab a few favorite pieces.

• Social media posts: These are often closer to conversational tone, which can be helpful if you want a friendly style.

For me, like the “AI Fire 101” GPT I made, I used all the articles I wrote and the output, feedback, guide I want that GPT to response like this:

Creating a Style Guide

If you want to get really specific, consider making a style guide, even if it’s just a list of key phrases, favorite words, or common expressions you use. Here’s what to include:

• Signature Phrases: Do you have any favorite expressions or “catchphrases” that show up a lot? For example, maybe you often say, “Let’s dive in” or “Here’s the deal.”

• Tone Words: List a few words that describe your vibe. Are you “enthusiastic” and “lighthearted”? Or maybe “informative” and “direct”?

• Example Sentences: Pull out a few sentences that scream your style. These serve as little benchmarks for training GPT to match.

Putting these elements together gives GPT a roadmap for understanding your style. Once you have it all laid out, you’re ready to start the training, knowing exactly what you’re aiming to achieve.

Or you can take my table here as an example to follow, and to know exactly what you should create for your own guide👇

III. Refining Style with Detailed Prompting Techniques

So, you’ve got your style defined - but how do you get GPT to pick it up accurately? This is where prompting techniques come in. Think of prompting as the GPS instructions for GPT: the more detailed and clear you are, the more reliably you’ll reach the style you’re after.

Here’s a full toolkit of prompting techniques to help refine GPT’s responses to match your style.

a. Set the Scene Right Away

To get GPT into the right “mood,” start by giving it a clear context. Don’t jump straight into the main request; instead, set up the prompt to tell GPT what tone you’re after. For example:

• Example: “I need you to write this in a friendly and welcoming style. Imagine you’re talking to a new friend who’s just learning about this topic. Keep it light and avoid technical jargon.”

  

Why it works: GPT is more likely to stay in character if you give it a “role” to play. This can make it easier for GPT to keep up the style throughout the response.

b. Use Directive Prompts to Shape Tone

Be specific with words that direct the style. Words like “friendly,” “professional,” or “enthusiastic” guide GPT on the tone you want it to take. Here are a few directive prompt examples:

• Example Prompts:

  • “Write in a professional tone, as if addressing a group of investors.”

  • “Respond in a casual, upbeat tone, like you’re talking to a friend at a coffee shop.”

  • “Use an empathetic and supportive tone, with phrases like ‘I understand’ or ‘That makes sense’ to show empathy.”

    

c. Highlight Preferred Vocabulary

If there are specific phrases or types of words you want, mention them. If there are words you want to avoid, bring that up too. You’re not only shaping the tone but also the specific language GPT uses.

• Example:

  • “Please use simple, conversational language. Words like ‘exciting,’ ‘quick,’ and ‘simple’ work well. Avoid formal words like ‘however’ or ‘moreover.’”

    

d. Control Sentence Length and Structure

Want short, punchy sentences? Or maybe you prefer a longer, flowing style? GPT can adapt if you spell it out. Here’s how to tweak sentence structure and flow:

• Example Prompts:

  • “Keep sentences short and to the point, with no more than 15 words each.”

  • “Use a mix of long and short sentences to create a conversational flow.”

  • “Keep sentences medium-length with clear transitions, so the flow feels natural.”

    

By setting these guidelines upfront, GPT will aim to match your preferred rhythm and pacing.

e. Add Scenario-Based Instructions

If your tone shifts in different situations, add a scenario to guide GPT. This approach can be useful if you want a style that adapts depending on the context, such as customer service vs. marketing copy.

• Example Scenarios:

  • “Write as if you’re explaining a new feature to a customer, staying supportive and encouraging.”

  • “Respond like a welcoming instructor giving advice to a new student who’s nervous.”

  • “Imagine you’re writing a fun social media post about this topic, aiming to make it exciting and shareable.”

Giving a scenario helps GPT “step into character” and respond in a way that fits the situation better.

IV. Iterative Technique with Detailed Examples

Sometimes, you may need to refine the style over a few attempts. Don’t be afraid to ask GPT to adjust based on what you see. Here’s how to refine the style in 3 stages:

• Stage 1 Prompt: “Write a paragraph about [topic] in a friendly, conversational tone. Keep it casual and engaging.”

• Stage 2 Adjustment: If it’s too formal, add: “Make it more informal, as if talking to a friend. Use simpler words and shorter sentences.”

• Stage 3 Adjustment: If it’s still not right, specify: “Add warmth with friendly phrases like ‘You’ll love this!’ or ‘Let’s take a look together.’”

  

EXAMPLE👇

Scenario: Writing a Professional Yet Welcoming Email for New Clients

Let’s say we want a warm, professional tone to welcome new clients. The aim is to sound approachable yet polished.

Step 1: Initial Prompt – Professional Introduction

1. Prompt: "Write a professional welcome email for new clients. Keep the tone warm but formal.”

   • Expected Response:
     “Dear [Client Name], we are delighted to welcome you to our community. Our team looks forward to supporting you and ensuring you have an excellent experience with us. Please let us know if there’s anything you need.”

   • Result: It’s formal and polite but might feel a bit too stiff for a warm introduction. Let’s refine it for a friendlier tone.

Step 2: Adding Warmth – Friendlier Language

2. Refinement Prompt: "Make it a bit warmer, like you’re excited to have them on board. Use phrases like ‘We’re thrilled’ and ‘Here to help.’”

   • Expected Response:
     “Dear [Client Name], we’re thrilled to welcome you to our community! Our team is here to help you every step of the way, and we’re excited to support your journey with us. If there’s anything you need, just let us know!”

   • Result: This response has more warmth and energy, making it sound more welcoming. Now, let’s make it even more personable.

Step 3: Adding Personal Touches – Relatable Language

3. Refinement Prompt: "Add a more personal touch, like you’re speaking directly to them. Mention ‘our team’ and keep it relaxed but professional.”

   • Expected Response:
     “Hello [Client Name]! We’re so happy to have you with us. Our team is here to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. We’re here for you!”

   • Result: This version feels more personal and direct, striking a balance between professional and approachable.

V. Using Third-Party Tools for Advanced Style Training

Sometimes, you might want GPT’s style to adapt for specific uses, like a chatbot on your website. Third-party chatbot builders let you connect GPT directly to a platform where it can act as a branded, style-aligned assistant for customers. These tools typically have more configuration options, so you can set style guidelines for various situations, like customer support or product recommendations.

Choosing a Chatbot Builder:

• Popular Options: Tools like Botpress, Landbot, or Dialogflow allow for ChatGPT integration. Research to find the one that aligns best with your needs (e.g., ease of setup, compatibility with your site, cost).

  

• Evaluating Features: Look for a builder that offers control over tone settings, pre-set dialogue flows, and options to upload custom data.

• Connecting GPT to the Builder:

  1. Generate an API Key: In your OpenAI or ChatGPT account, create an API key to link GPT with the third-party builder.

     

  2. Configure Style Settings: Some builders let you specify tone settings directly, so set your preferred style (e.g., “Friendly and supportive for customer service”).

  3. Link Data (If Needed): If your chatbot needs access to specific data (e.g., product details or FAQs), upload or link this information in the builder’s interface.

Customizing Responses with Style-Specific Data in Third-Party Tools

For a highly specialized tone or specific information, consider uploading data files or using tools that connect GPT to your data sources. This setup allows GPT to pull from your documents or datasets, shaping responses that fit your unique needs while staying within your preferred style.

• Linking to External Data:

  • File Upload: Tools like Pinecone let you connect to PDFs, text files, or databases, giving GPT access to specific details or style notes.

    

  • Configuring Retrieval Style: When you upload data, these tools let you define how information should be presented. For example, you can set it to always keep responses concise and polite.

Testing and Refining Plugin-Driven Style

Once you’ve set up plugins or third-party tools, it’s essential to test and refine. Even the best configurations might need a bit of tweaking to get the tone just right.

• Testing Responses:

  • Scenario-Based Prompts: Test different scenarios to see how well GPT maintains the desired tone (e.g., “Respond to a complaint in a calm and understanding way”).

  • Adjusting as Needed: If responses are slightly off, tweak settings in the plugin or builder to better align with your style.

• Monitoring Real-World Interactions:

  • Customer Feedback: For chatbots, monitor user feedback to see if they find the tone appropriate.

  • Continuous Adjustments: Adjust tone settings or add new data sources over time to keep responses aligned with your evolving style.

VI. Real-World Applications and Adjustments

Training GPT to match your style is just the start! Let’s explore how to put this custom style to work in real-world situations. We’ll look at practical examples and cover tips for making minor adjustments based on specific audiences or platforms. This is where the real magic happens: making GPT sound just right in emails, social media, customer support, and more.

1. Emails and Newsletters: Professional Client Welcome Email

Write a welcome email for a new client joining our services. Keep the tone professional but warm, as if you’re personally excited to work with them. Mention that the team is here to support them, but keep it concise. Avoid overly formal phrases like ‘we are pleased to inform you’ or ‘it is our privilege,’ and instead use friendly yet respectful language. Aim for around 100 words. End the email with an invitation for them to reach out anytime with questions.

2. Social Media Posts: Instagram Post for a Product Launch

Write an Instagram caption for a new product launch. The tone should be fun, upbeat, and inviting, as if you’re excited to share something cool with a close friend. Keep it under 50 words, and include emojis for energy. Mention that the product ‘makes life easier’ and ‘adds a splash of fun.’ Use a call to action, like ‘Check it out below!’ without sounding too pushy

3. Customer Support Responses: Response to a Customer Complaint about a Delayed Order

Write a response to a customer who’s upset about a delayed order. The tone should be empathetic and understanding. Start by acknowledging the frustration and apologize directly, without making excuses. Briefly explain that the team is working hard to resolve the delay and ensure a smooth delivery. Offer a way for the customer to check their order status for reassurance. End with a friendly, supportive tone to show we care about their experience.

4. Website Content and FAQs: FAQ Response for “How Does Shipping Work?

Write an FAQ answer to the question ‘How does shipping work?’ Use a friendly, approachable tone that’s easy to understand. Keep it under 40 words, and make sure to clarify shipping times and costs without using too much detail. If there are any specifics, mention them in simple terms (e.g., ‘free shipping over $50’). End with a friendly emoji if possible

5. Adjusting for Audience and Platform: LinkedIn Post for a New Feature

Write a LinkedIn post announcing a new feature in our software. Use a professional yet approachable tone that speaks to an audience of professionals looking to improve efficiency. Mention that the new feature ‘streamlines workflow’ and ‘boosts productivity.’ Keep it under 150 words and avoid emojis. Use a clear call to action, like ‘Discover how this feature can make a difference for your team.

BONUS: These are just a few examples of using custom GPTs with specific prompts, if you wanna get to know even more pre-made and ready-to-use prompts, here’s the library.

VII. Troubleshooting and Long-Term Maintenance

Once you’ve trained GPT to match your style, it’s essential to keep an eye on how well it’s performing over time. Think of this phase as regular checkups to keep things running smoothly. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues and keep GPT’s style on point in the long run.

1. Recognizing Common Style Misalignments

Sometimes, despite careful setup, GPT may drift from your preferred style. Here are a few common misalignments and how to spot them:

• Tone Drifts: Responses may sound overly formal or too casual.

• Vocabulary Issues: Words appear that don’t fit your usual style, like technical jargon or overly simplistic terms.

• Pacing Variations: Responses might become too short, too wordy, or lack the usual flow.

To detect misalignments, review GPT outputs periodically. If you’re using GPT in customer interactions or for public content, skim recent responses weekly to ensure consistency. Look out for feedback from users, especially if they seem confused by certain phrases or tones—this often signals a misalignment.

These are several official documents from OpenAI for you to check the issue:

• OpenAI Developer Forum

• OpenAI Documentation

  

2. Quick Fixes with Prompt Adjustments

For small tone or vocabulary misalignments, prompt tweaks are usually the fastest way to get GPT back on track. Here’s how:

• Reinforce Tone with Directives: If GPT is drifting into a tone that’s too formal, add more descriptive language to your prompts.

  • Example: “Respond in a relaxed, conversational style, as if you’re chatting with a friend. Avoid formal words like ‘therefore’ or ‘accordingly.’”

• Rephrase Vocabulary Guidance: If GPT’s vocabulary seems off, refine prompt language to be extra specific.

  • Example: “Use friendly, positive words like ‘exciting,’ ‘quick,’ and ‘simple,’ and avoid technical terms or long phrases.”

3. Refining for Persistent Style Issues

If certain style issues keep showing up despite prompt adjustments, it may be time for a deeper fix. Here’s how to manage those trickier problems:

• Pattern Analysis: Notice any recurring issues, such as responses that are too lengthy or tend to miss the mark on tone. Make a list of these patterns and refine prompts accordingly. Sometimes breaking prompts into smaller, more targeted instructions helps.

• Use Role Definitions: For ongoing problems with style adherence, assign GPT a “role” in the prompt.

  • Example: “Imagine you are a customer service assistant at a friendly, laid-back company. Answer questions in a relaxed, approachable tone, as if you were chatting with a helpful friend.”

4. Testing for Style Consistency

Regular testing keeps GPT’s style responses consistent. Here’s a quick way to keep your style training in check:

• Routine Style Checks: Every month or so, prompt GPT with a few typical questions or scenarios and review the results. Compare these responses to your original style guide to see if they still match.

• Sample Prompts for Testing:

  • “Write a brief welcome message for a new client in our friendly, supportive style.”

  • “Respond to a customer who is asking about product features with a clear and enthusiastic tone.”

5. Adjusting Based on Real-World Feedback

Audience reactions are a great source of style feedback, especially if you’re using GPT for customer-facing content. If customers seem confused, respond poorly, or take extra time with GPT-generated messages, it may be worth reviewing your style setup.

• Collect Feedback: Use feedback from customer support inquiries, survey results, or direct customer comments.

• Adjust Prompt Language: If responses seem too long or complex for your audience, tweak prompts to emphasize brevity and simplicity.

6. Long-Term Style Maintenance

To ensure GPT’s style remains consistent over time, plan for regular updates and refreshes:

• Routine Updates: Every few months, revisit your style guide. Add any new vocabulary, phrases, or adjustments in tone that have evolved. This can be especially useful if your brand’s voice or audience shifts over time.

• Seasonal or Campaign-Specific Adjustments: If your style changes for a particular season, promotion, or event (like holiday greetings or special offers), add temporary guidelines. You can update prompts for the season or occasion and then revert once it’s over.

• Backup and Save Prompts: Keep a record of your most successful prompts and settings, so you can easily revert to a proven style if future tweaks don’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Alright, I think this lesson is quite long enough, did you find it helpful? You’re not just setting up a chatbot but you’re creating a digital “voice” that reflects your personality or brand identity across every interaction.

Let’s recap the essentials:

1. Understand Your Style: This forms the foundation. When you’re clear on your tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure, GPT can pick up on these cues and deliver responses that feel authentic.

2. Refine with Prompting Techniques: Think of prompts as style instructions. The more specific you are, the more precisely GPT will match your voice.

3. Leverage Tools: For data-driven or dynamic responses, plugins and third-party tools add an extra layer of customization, allowing GPT to interact with real data while staying true to your style.

4. Test, Troubleshoot, and Maintain: Styles can drift over time, so it’s essential to test regularly, troubleshoot any misalignments, and make adjustments based on real-world feedback.

Now, let’s put your style guide to work and see your unique voice come to life! See ya✋✋