Good results from an AI assistant depend less on secret phrases and more on a handful of clear habits.
1. State the goal and the audience
"Explain compound interest" gets a generic reply. "Explain compound interest to a ten-year-old in four sentences" gets something usable.
2. Give the context it cannot guess
Include the facts that matter: your situation, constraints, and the format you want. The assistant cannot see your files or your intentions unless you share them.
3. Show an example
If you want a specific style or structure, include a short sample. Examples are often more effective than long descriptions.
4. Iterate instead of restarting
Treat the first answer as a draft. Ask for a shorter version, a different tone, or a correction. Conversation lets you steer.
5. Check the work
Read the result critically. Verify facts, test code, and confirm numbers. You remain responsible for what you use.
A simple template
When you are unsure how to begin, try this: "I am [role]. I need [task]. The audience is [who]. Use [format]. Here is the background: [details]." Then refine from there.
Keep sensitive information out
Avoid pasting private data, passwords, or confidential documents into tools unless you know how they handle data.
Continue with the book
Explore the full treatment, worked examples, and exercises in AI Made Simple.
Adapted from AI Made Simple, published by Choral Software. Article text and original examples © 2026 Choral Software. All rights reserved.