AI for Advisors newsletter
If you’ve ever said, “AI just doesn’t sound like me,” or found yourself rewriting an AI-generated email line by line, you’re not alone. Most advisors who’ve “tried” ChatGPT without any training, quickly run into the same “doesn’t-sound-like-me” wall.
But here’s the catch: That’s not a flaw in the AI tool. It’s a sign you haven’t yet been shown how to guide it.
It makes sense. At one level, AI is deceptively easy, and many advisors believe they know how to use it. After all, they can type into a chatbot box. But that surface-level familiarity often leads to frustration when the results fall short and require endless editing.
Like any powerful assistant, AI works best when you know how to direct it clearly—and when you do, it becomes the most efficient, flexible tool you’ve ever used in your practice.
Customize ChatGPT
So, here’s the fix most people overlook—unless you’ve been through a Horsesmouth AI training. It’s called Customize ChatGPT, (also called Custom Instructions), and it might be the most powerful (and underused) feature in the entire interface.
This quick setup isn’t cosmetic. It’s the single most important step you can take to turn ChatGPT from a generic content generator into a writing partner that mirrors your tone, personality, and communication style.
Let’s walk through how to fill out Customize ChatGPT strategically so your AI stops sounding like a stranger and starts sounding like you.
The fastest way to start making ChatGPT sound like you is by answering a few key questions in the Customize ChatGPT area, which you find by clicking on your initials in the upper right corner of the tool’s interface.
Click on Customize ChatGPT to start.
Now you’re ready to answer these critical questions and it should only take five to 10 minutes.
Question 1. ‘What do you do?’—Skip the résumé
Most people answer this like a LinkedIn bio:
“I’m a CFP®, managing partner at XYZ Wealth. I’ve been in the industry for 17 years and serve pre-retirees.”
That’s not what ChatGPT needs. Instead, describe what your work feels like: Who do you help? What problems do you solve? What do your clients worry about? How do you communicate with them?
Smart advisor example:
“I help Gen X clients in their 50s retire confidently, even in uncertain markets. My clients are smart and self-directed, but they don’t want jargon. I spend most of my time translating complex planning topics—like tax efficiency and income timing—into plain language. I write emails, meeting summaries, and short newsletters that are clear, personal, and calming.”
That gives ChatGPT everything it needs to mirror your thinking and communication style.
Question 2. ‘What traits should ChatGPT have?’—Set the voice
This field shapes how ChatGPT behaves. You might want it to sound like a calm expert, a straight shooter, or a strategic partner—or all three. Use this section to define the relationship you want with your AI.
Smart advisor example:
“Be professional and thoughtful, but not stiff. You can be opinionated if it helps clarify a topic. Keep things clear, respectful, and focused. Avoid hype or overly casual language. Sound like a seasoned advisor who knows their stuff and cares.”
This helps correct one of the most common complaints: “It’s robotic” or “It’s too vague” or “It doesn’t sound like me.”
Add just a few traits buttons
ChatGPT also gives you a row of 20 personality buttons like: Professional, Empathetic, Witty, Skeptical, Gen Z, Chill, Silly…
Most users ignore them. That’s a mistake. Here are the ones I recommend for advisors:
- Professional – Ground everything here.
- Empathetic – Especially for client messaging.
- Straight-shooting – Good for summaries or advice.
- Encouraging – Great when guiding hesitant clients.
- Pragmatic – Helpful when reviewing strategies.
Traits to use with care:
- Silly or Gen Z – Only if that’s your actual brand voice. Not likely!
- Witty – Can work but often misses the mark.
- Skeptical – Can come off as cold or combative.
Keep it simple: Choose two or three traits max to avoid tone confusion.
Question 3. ‘Anything else should ChatGPT know about you?’—Teach the intangibles
This is the “secret sauce” section. Use it to coach ChatGPT on the finer points of how you think and talk. What do you always say? What phrases do you avoid? What good writing habits do you rely on?
Smart advisor example:
“I lead with the takeaway—no long intros. I use analogies, especially travel or hiking metaphors. I never say, ‘bucket strategy’—I prefer ‘retirement paycheck.’ I avoid industry jargon and keep things human. No emojis. Keep it clear and warm.”
This one paragraph can save you dozens of edits later. Even when you’re following a proven prompt structure like RTF-CQE—Role, Task, Format, Context, Questions, and Examples—you may notice something surprising: you don’t need to mention tone and style in your prompts.
Why? Because once you’ve completed your Custom Instructions, ChatGPT already knows how you like to communicate. That means your RTF-CQE prompts can stay focused and efficient, while still delivering responses that sound like you. When used together, Custom Instructions and RTF-CQE create a powerful foundation for fast, accurate, and on-brand AI outputs.
The before and after difference
Now look at the results of the same prompt with and without Custom Instructions.
Prompt:
Write a follow-up email to a prospect who asked about retirement income planning. They seemed hesitant and mentioned they’d talk to their spouse.
Without Customize ChatGPT instructions:
“Dear valued client, I hope this message finds you well. Regarding your inquiry into retirement income options, we are pleased to offer a range of solutions to meet your long-term goals…”
Result: Cold, generic, and filled with empty phrases.
With Customize ChatGPT instructions:
“Hi John, thanks again for your time yesterday. I know you’re still talking it over with your spouse—and that’s the right move. Retirement income planning is about peace of mind, not pressure. When you’re ready, I’m here to walk you both through it in plain English.”
Result: Warm, direct, and trust-building. It sounds like an advisor, not an AI. And if you ever want to temporarily switch things up, you can override your usual tone and style settings in any individual prompt. Just say so directly.
For example: “Use a more casual tone for this one—it’s going to a long-time client and friend I know well.” ChatGPT will follow your instructions for that response but then return to your default voice for future prompts. It’s a flexible way to adapt tone on the fly without losing your overall consistency.
If you want better output…
Before you finish setting up your Custom Instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom and click the “Advanced” section.
There, you’ll see a toggle labeled “Apply to new chats.” This setting ensures that your tone, voice, and preference settings automatically carry over into every new conversation—so you don’t have to start from scratch each time. It’s a simple but essential best practice that keeps your AI sounding like you, consistently.
Remember, you wouldn’t let a junior associate write client emails without training. Don’t expect AI to do it either—unless you teach it how. Customize ChatGPT is your training manual.
The five-minute setup you do here will save you hours down the line—and finally make AI sound like you.
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