Playbook · 7 min read

AI cold email writing that doesn't sound like AI

Every SDR now has AI writing their emails. Reply rates crashed because everyone sounds the same. Here's how to sound like a person.

Seven AI tells

  • 'I hope this finds you well'
  • Perfectly-parallel bullet structure
  • 'I noticed that…' openers with no real specificity
  • Three-item lists where two would do
  • Em dashes everywhere
  • Aspirational-corporate voice
  • Fake-humble sign-offs

What actually reads human

A real observation nobody else would have. One specific question. A short signoff. Under 90 words.

The 30-second test

Read it out loud. If it sounds like a LinkedIn post, redraft.

See CoLive run this workflow live

Six named AI agents. One revenue engine. Talk to the founders — literally.