Prompt your AI! What on earth does that mean!
If you’ve ever tried using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot or another AI assistant, you’ll know the results can range from “Wow!” to “What on earth was that?”
The truth is: how you ask makes all the difference. And that is called “prompting” your Chosen AI.
Why Talk About Prompts?
This post is all about how to get the best out of your AI partner — whichever one you choose to work with. It’s not about learning jargon or taking a course. It’s about thinking clearly and working with your AI, not against it.
Prompting AI is now big business with many comprehensive courses on prompt engineering but here I’m just trying to help the average user of AI how to get best results
Step 1: Prompt to Make Clear Exactly What You Want
AIs aren’t mind readers. If you give vague instructions, you’ll get vague results.
Instead of this:
“Help me write a welcome letter”
Try this:
“Write a friendly 100-word welcome message for a community website in British English.”
Step 2: Provide Some Background
AI tools work better when they know who they’re helping and why.
A simple line of context can steer the response dramatically:
- “I’m writing this for a local community website”
- “I need this in a tone suitable for a family newsletter”
- “This is for a one-page intro to a digital course”
Step 3: Prompt to Say How You’d Like It
Be specific about the format, tone, or audience.
Want a bulleted list? A casual voice? British spelling? Just say so.
- “Write it in three short paragraphs with subheadings.”
- “Use a tone that’s light, chatty, and helpful.”
- “Make sure it uses UK spelling.”
Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Tweak your Prompts
AI works best when you collaborate.
Think of your prompt as a first draft of the question — not the final version. If the result isn’t quite right, refine your prompt and try again. That’s how the pros do it.
- “Try that again, but more concise.”
- “Rewrite using simpler language for schoolchildren.”
- “Add a short summary at the end.”
Step 5: Prompt AI Across All the Popular Tools
Whether you’re using:
…these tips apply. These AIs are different in style, but they all respond to clear, well-structured prompts.
Prompt AI – a Free Printable Prompting Guide
I’ve created a short PDF called “DeeBee’s Prompting Guide” — specially designed for beginners peoviding tips on how to effectively prompt their AI partner. It gives you examples, structure tips, and friendly reminders to help you work with AI efficiently and confidently.
Download DeeBee’s Prompting Guide (PDF)
Final Thought
AI isn’t magic — but it can feel magical when you use it well.
If you treat it like a helpful colleague (not a crystal ball), and give it clear, thoughtful instructions, you’ll soon discover how to get the best out of your AI friend — and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.
