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Instead of deep dive or long explanation about AI tools available, this article will just list some practical tips for making an AI request more useful. The following suggestions apply to your chats with ChatGPT, Gemini, Le Chat (Mistral), Claude, or programs that utilize multiple AI models like Perplexity or Manus.
If you are just using an AI chat like you would use a browser search for things like getting the definition of a word or looking up a dress shop, then form your question as usual: “Where is *name of shop*” or “Define *word for which you want the meaning*”. But, for more robust requests, try some of the following tips.
- Be specific and detailed. Instead of asking “give me some easy recipes for dinner”, you might form a question more like: I need three nights of dinner recipes where I can use leftover ingredients for other night’s dishes. I have chicken and some vegetables on hand. Don’t suggest anything with fish or red meat and I prefer low carb options and recipes without a lot of ingredients.
- For the above, you may need to put the prompt into a specific AI chat bot like ChatGPT or Claude, not just entering it in a browser window with AI search left on. (There will be more about browser AI search mode in an upcoming article).
- Continue your conversations about similar topics instead of always starting a new chat. For the previous example, after you get some recipes, you might fine tune the request with another instruction on the same chat like Change the recipes that included onions and don’t suggest any more with onions or cilantro as an ingredient. (As an aside, we don’t know why you wouldn’t want cilantro in your recipes, but you do you!)
- If you are asking about a topic you find confusing, add that detail and give instructions that you need details that would be given to a complete beginner. Example: Explain computer networking to me in a summary of a few paragraphs. I know a little about computers but explain it to me like I’m a complete beginner. If the solution includes words you don’t know, ask follow up questions and refine your request, such as I don’t exactly know the terms “router” and “gateway”. Break things down for me, even if the explanation goes beyond a few paragraphs.
- Start with the outcome, not just a vague request. Instead of writing “I need help making good social media posts”, write “Create a week long content plan for Instagram for my small tech accessories store. Include post ideas, suggested images to include for each post along with captions.”
- Give your AI context like you would give to a human assistant: “Suggest some things to do when visiting Houston, Texas. The trip is for a couple and one of them is in a wheelchair and is a bit nervous about the trip, so make the suggestions upbeat and geared to accessible activities.”
- Be clear about the format in which you would prefer the results: “Compare these three note taking and reminder programs, Google Keep, Todoist, and Microsoft To-Do, in a simple table format noting what each one does, what each one does best and include information about cost if applicable.”
- Going back to the Houston trip prompt above, make sure to include boundaries needed: “Only include suggestions that are free or that cost less than $50 per person.”
- If you want to be able to check sources, include that request in your prompt: “Research beginner-friendly password managers and recommend the best options for a family of two adults and one teen. Compare pricing, ease of use, device support, and an explanation of your top choice. Use current sources and link to them.”
- Don’t know where to start? I asked Manus for a simple suggestion and got this simple formula to copy and use for your future requests:
- Help me [achieve a specific outcome] for [audience or situation]. The finished result should be a [format]. Keep it [tone/style] and include [must-have details]. Avoid [anything to exclude]. Ask me questions first if you need information to do this well.
- This article will be updated over time. I’ve consulted an AI tool for suggestions to include in this article (of course!)