How to talk to AI so it produces what you have in mind

Start with the basics

Before talking to it: understand how it works

The AI we use today is called generative AI. You write a description or request, called a Prompt, and it generates text, images, video, or audio.

Large models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude were trained on vast amounts of books, websites, and data. That is why they can explain anything in the style and language you prefer.

But keep 4 things in mind when using it:

It is not always right: not all its training data is correct, and sometimes it confidently discusses something it does not know instead of saying “I do not know.” These are made-up answers, like a smooth-talking friend who cannot say “I don't know.”
Its information is a little behind: a model is trained up to a certain date. If you need new information, such as news, a price, or a date, make sure it searches the internet, or explicitly ask it to search.
It may have biases: its training affects its answers on some topics, so keep that in mind when asking about matters of opinion.
Reviewing is your responsibility: check any information you will use or publish.

The idea that makes a difference

Treat it as an expert who needs details

Imagine someone telling a video expert, “I want to make an ad with AI.” The expert cannot help without knowing who you are, what the ad is for, its length, its goal, and whether you want realistic or cartoon characters.

AI is just like that. If you only say “write me a post,” it will guess all those details and produce something generic. But if you give it a complete picture of what you have in mind, it will produce something close to it, and sometimes better.

The good news

Models have improved a lot. We used to write very long prompts. Now a few basics really matter: context, goal, and the result you want.

Prompt components

What makes a good prompt?

Context: who you are, what you do, and why you need this.
Task: exactly what is needed: a post, explanation, plan, email, or summary.
Audience and goal: who the text is for and what you want to achieve with them.
Output format: its length, dialect, and whether it should use bullets, a table, or paragraphs.
Role (optional): tell it to “act as an expert in this field.” This helps it focus on knowledge relevant to the task.

You do not have to write each element on its own line. What matters is including this information, even if you write it conversationally.

Before and after

The same request, a different result

This prompt will produce a post without an audience or goal:

A weak prompt

Write me a post about AI in learning.

Here is the same prompt after adding context, audience, goal, and output format:

A clear prompt

This is a ready-to-use example. Copy it as is, or adapt the text to your work.

View full prompt

I have a page sharing content about using AI in learning. I want to write a post in Egyptian Arabic for university students approaching exams who need help reviewing, understanding explanations, and solving questions in the style of past exams. The post's goal is to show them AI can help with these things and encourage them to try it today. Keep the post short, start with a situation they recognize, include 3 practical uses, and end by asking them to name their most difficult subject in the comments.

If you are missing information that would change the result, ask me first.
Before you deliver: do not add numbers or stories that are not in what I told you.

Notice that the second prompt is not complicated. It just answers the questions the expert would have asked.

If you do not know where to start

Have it ask you

Sometimes you know what you want but cannot describe it. Reverse the roles: share the idea and ask it to ask the questions it needs before starting.

Have it ask you first

Copy the prompt as it is, or tailor it with your details first.

Tailor the prompt to your workOptional: add your details and the prompt adjusts itself

Required task

View full prompt

I want [write what you want to do]. Before starting, ask me all the questions you need to produce the best result. Ask in short batches, and do not start carrying it out until I answer.

Before you deliver: do not add numbers or stories that are not in what I told you.

If you already have a result and want to improve it, have it review it as an expert and suggest what is missing:

Have it review and improve

Copy the prompt as it is, or tailor it with your details first.

Tailor the prompt to your workOptional: add your details and the prompt adjusts itself

FieldContent type

View full prompt

Act as an expert in [field]. Review this [post / email / plan] and tell me what is missing to make it much stronger. If you need information from me to improve it, ask before rewriting it. Before you deliver:

do not add numbers or stories that are not in what I told you.

Try it in your life

Uses to try today

Understand something new: “Explain digital marketing in Egyptian Arabic with examples, because I am considering a career change.”
Study a difficult subject: upload the lecture and ask for a simpler explanation, followed by questions in the same exam style.
Read faster: an English book chapter and little time? Ask for the key ideas in Arabic, and return to the chapter for important points.
Learn what is new: for changing information such as a date, news, or price, make sure it searches and provides the source.

A workflow example

From idea to result in 5 steps

Specify the task: what do you want to have at the end?
Give it context: who you are, who the text is for, and why.
Specify the output format: length, dialect, and format.
If you are unsure, have it ask you: answer its questions.
Review and improve: Ask it to review the result as an expert, and check the information yourself before approving it.