ChatGPT

I tested ChatGPT vs DeepSeek with 11 Email Writing prompts — here’s the surprising winner

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Bilal Javed

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Struggling to craft the right email can feel like a battle. Whether it’s a sales pitch, a tricky apology, or a customer service reply, AI tools promise to make the process easier. But do they really deliver?

I put ChatGPT and DeepSeek to the test with 11 real-world email prompts. The goal? Find out which one writes smoother, smarter, and more human-like messages. The results? Let’s just say, one tool had a surprising edge.

If you rely on AI for email writing, this comparison might change how you choose your go-to assistant.

1. Cultural Nuance in Business Negotiations

Prompt:

Write a follow-up email to a potential Japanese business partner who ghosted you after a meeting. Incorporate cultural sensitivity (e.g., avoiding direct confrontation) and reference their recent award win mentioned in local media.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

2. Crisis Management for a Bizarre Scenario

Prompt:

Draft an email to customers explaining that your "anti-snoring pillow" accidentally caused a viral TikTok trend where users mimic goat noises in their sleep. Apologize, clarify it’s harmless, and offer a discount.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

3. Time-Sensitive Multilingual Coordination

Prompt:

Create an urgent email to a remote team in Brazil, Germany, and India to reschedule a product launch. Include time zones (IST, CET, BRT), use simple English with localized phrases (e.g., "Bom dia"), and emphasize collaboration.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

4. Re-engagement with a Personal Twist

Prompt:

Write a re-engagement email to a client who last interacted with your company 5 years ago. Mention their favorite employee (who retired) and tie it to a new AI-powered service they’d love.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

5. Humor in Professional Communication

Prompt:

Compose a funny but professional email announcing a company-wide "No Meetings Friday" policy. Use a meme-inspired tone without emojis and reference productivity stats.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

6. Navigating Ambiguous Complaints

Prompt:

Respond to a customer’s email titled “Your Product Ruined My Day!” with no further details. Politely request clarification while offering a free trial of your premium support service.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner ChatGPT

7. Multilingual Code-Switching

Prompt:

Write a sales email to a Parisian boutique owner blending French and English (e.g., "Bonjour! Our nouveau collection…"), ensuring professionalism and Google Translate-friendly phrasing.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner DeepSeek

8. Ethical Persuasion

Prompt:

Persuade a climate-skeptic CEO to adopt your carbon-neutral software. Acknowledge their skepticism, cite ROI from competitors, and avoid buzzwords like "sustainability."

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner ChatGPT

9. Diplomatic Transparency

Prompt:

Announce a merger with a rival company in an email to employees. Address layoff fears indirectly and highlight growth opportunities. Include a quote from the rival’s CEO.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner ChatGPT

10. Fundraising for a Controversial Cause

Prompt:

Craft a donation request email for a nonprofit promoting AI ethics in warfare. Balance urgency with empathy, avoiding triggering language.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner ChatGPT

11. Accessibility-Centric Communication

Prompt:

Write a product update email for visually impaired users. Include alt-text descriptions, a high-contrast layout, and a voice note attachment. Avoid jargon.

ChatGPT:

DeepSeek:

Winner ChatGPT

Final Verdict

ChatGPT narrowly edges out as the winner for email writing in this scenario, but with caveats:

Why ChatGPT?

  1. Tone Mastery: Better at blending humor, empathy, and professionalism (e.g., the goat-noise crisis email and “No Meetings Friday” policy).
  2. Cultural Nuance: Handled indirect communication for the Japanese business partner email more delicately.
  3. Adaptability: Excelled at re-engagement emails with personal touches (e.g., referencing a retired employee).

DeepSeek’s Strengths:

  1. Technical Precision: Likely stronger in multilingual code-switching (e.g., French-English sales email) and time-zone coordination.
  2. Ethical Nuance: May outperform in sensitive topics (e.g., AI ethics fundraising) due to stricter alignment guardrails.
  3. Conciseness: Delivered cleaner, jargon-free accessibility-centric emails.

Surprise Factor:

DeepSeek might win specific rounds (e.g., crisis management for its structured clarity), but ChatGPT’s creative flexibility and tone range make it more versatile for unpredictable prompts.

Final Takeaway:

For emails requiring creativity, cultural IQ, or humor: ChatGPT.
For emails needing precision, multilingual rigor, or ethical caution: DeepSeek.

(Note: Actual results depend on model versions, fine-tuning, and prompt engineering!) 🔍

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