Claude Analyzed My Writing

So I’ve been spending time Claude-ing a lot lately. One thing I always wanted to understand better is the salient features of my writing, the style of narrative and the unique aspects that make it relatable.

I fed about 30 different articles I’ve written over many different months and asked it to give me the most unique observations that it could find. I think it did a great job. The meta themes it surfaced are spot on.

Observations by Claude

Claude came up with these really sharp points of observation. I think I mostly agree with all of them.

Paradoxical framing: The writer often presents ideas through paradoxes or contrasts, challenging conventional wisdom. This approach highlights nuances and stimulates deeper thinking.
Depth in structure: While utilizing numbered lists and clear structures, each point often contains substantial explanations and nuanced thoughts. This allows for both easy scanning and in-depth reading.
Conversational authority: The writing strikes a balance between approachability and assertiveness. Conversational phrases engage the reader while maintaining a strong, authoritative voice.
Personal anecdotes as teaching tools: The author frequently draws from personal experiences to illustrate broader points, making abstract concepts more relatable and concrete.
Psychological exploration: There’s often a deep dive into the psychological dynamics of workplace situations, exploring how people think and feel in different scenarios.
Bold hooks: The use of bold, sometimes provocative statements captures attention and emphasizes key points. These serve as entry points for deeper discussions.
Multilayered analysis: Ideas are often presented in layers, starting with a surface observation and then digging deeper into causes, implications, and solutions.
Actionable wisdom: Insights are consistently tied to practical applications or actionable advice, making the writing not just informative but immediately useful.
Embrace of intensity: The author doesn’t shy away from intense language or ideas, particularly when discussing the need for directness in professional settings.
Metaphorical language: Vivid metaphors are used to illustrate points, enhancing the clarity and impact of ideas.
Industry-specific insights: The articles often focus on design and product management, offering deep, insider knowledge that goes beyond general business advice.
Contrarian viewpoints: The writer frequently challenges conventional wisdom, presenting alternative perspectives on established topics.
Conceptual frameworks: Unique conceptual models are created and explained to help readers understand complex ideas, often using memorable acronyms or rules.
Emphasis on nuance: The writing acknowledges the complexities of situations, often presenting multiple sides or scenarios rather than oversimplifying.
Visual thinking in writing: Despite being text-based, the articles often encourage visual thinking, using descriptions that create mental images.
Practical idealism: While presenting aspirational ideas, they are balanced with pragmatic considerations, acknowledging real-world constraints and trade-offs.
Iterative thinking: The writing style often mirrors the iterative process described in product development, building on ideas and refining them throughout the article.
Clear categorization: Frequent use of categorization organizes ideas, making complex topics more digestible.
Emphasis on quality and craft: Across various topics, there’s a consistent thread emphasizing the importance of quality, attention to detail, and mastery of craft.
Future-oriented perspective: The articles often look ahead, considering long-term implications and preparing readers for future challenges or opportunities.
Insider tone: The writing often has the feel of insider knowledge being shared, giving readers the sense they’re getting privileged information from someone deeply embedded in the industry. This creates a sense of exclusivity and adds credibility to the insights provided.

When you’re writing, it’s hard to really know that this is what you intend to bring out from the articles. But write enough of them over a long period of time and the style truly emerges.

– @hvpandya