Top Tips to immediately write prompts that get better results
By this point in the series, we’ve already looked at how to have your first chat with AI, which chat tool might suit you, and what AI actually is. Now we’re getting more practical.
Because even with the right tool, the right prompt makes all the difference.
You don’t need to learn a new language. You just need to know how to ask clearly and constructively – the same way you would brief a colleague.
1. Start with the outcome you want
If you don’t know what you’re asking for, your AI won’t either. Be specific about what kind of response you want – a plan, a rewrite, a summary, a tone shift.
2. Say who it’s for
A message to a senior stakeholder will sound very different from one aimed at a community group or a new starter. Help the AI get the tone and level right by naming the audience.
3. Add the context you’d give a colleague
Where’s this going? When is it being shared? Why does it matter? Think of it as briefing someone smart but not in the room.
4. Give it something to work with
Start with whatever you’ve got. Notes, half-sentences, even photos of your scribbled thoughts – Chat AI is good at transcribing and shaping these into something clearer.
5. Build on what you get back, but know when to move on
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a spiral of “make it simpler” or “try again with less jargon”. If you’re stuck, it’s better to take the best version, tweak it yourself, or reframe the task.
6. Let it act like someone who knows what they’re doing
Set a persona for your AI – not just a topic.
You could say:
- Act like a senior onboarding lead writing a welcome note
- You’re a peer helping a nervous colleague adopt a new tool
- Be a confident facilitator explaining this to a mixed audience
It’s a subtle shift, but it helps the tone land far better.
Once you’re comfortable with the starting points, the next step is prompting with a bit more purpose. In Part 5, we break down how to write stronger, clearer prompts – and get outputs that work harder for you.
The Data Front 
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