Words Received: (S/N) Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Evaluating Writing

The term “signal-to-noise ratio” was coined in 1923. It described the strength of radio signals compared to atmospheric interference during early transatlantic telephone transmissions. 

Engineers measured this using instruments like voltmeters and basic oscilloscopes to quantify S/N in a frequency band. They plotted this on graphs alongside mathematicians to create visual curves that corresponded to what was audible. 

The complexity of moving messages across oceans led to the first published use of “signal-to-noise ratio” in the article: “Bell System Technical Journal, Volume 2, Issue 4, October 1923, pages 116-144” by H. D. Arnold and Lloyd Espenschied

Here is the excerpt discussing this innovation between London and New York: 

Modern advanced systems make S/N critical to digital communication. The human ear was the judge when we developed early broadcasting and it remains so in 2025. Yet, with the saturation of information flooding most outlets, “BS detector” sometimes seems more appropriate.

When we broadcast information, we can’t detect noise from inside our own transmission. We need multiple receivers at different locations because each one catches different interference patterns. Where do creators draw a parallel when publishing their work? New York couldn't hear what London heard and you can't hear what your readers hear. Applying S/N here, though metaphorical, can still be “measured”. 

First, produce your piece entirely on your own or with your team. This creates the foundation upon which to build and drive relevant actions from your text. I like to call this 100 percent, human-made draft: “Source Material”.

Next, share with other people for feedback on what you produced. Make any necessary revisions and edits.

Afterward, use at least three LLMs to evaluate your writing. Each model represents a different “receiver” at different locations. Their different training sets reveal different insights. Prompt each: “What is the signal-to-noise ratio of this piece?” Engage in dialogue about the synthesis while determining where the overlap and divergence are signal or noise.

Finally, apply your pattern recognition skills to decide on specific follow-through.