Add a few useful details to your ask

Step 1 of 6

Before we start

Let's get your AI open first.

An AI helper is a free tool, like ChatGPT, that answers what you type in plain words.

Open one now. Type chatgpt.com in your web browser. A browser is the app you use to visit websites. Or tap the ChatGPT app if it is on your phone.

If it asks you to sign in, that is normal. The free one is just fine.

You cannot break anything here. There is no wrong button to press.

Buddy says

Got it open? Lovely. If your screen looks a little different than I said, that is okay. The website just moved its buttons around.

The big idea

A few small facts help AI aim.

A useful detail is a tiny fact. It helps AI hit your real task. It is not a private fact about you.

Try adding just three small facts to your ask:

Who it is fortwo people, a neighbor

Where or whentonight, a two-day trip

The form you want3 choices, a short list

A few good facts keep the answer on target. Too many facts can make it messy.

Leave out private or risky facts. For money, health, legal, account, or safety problems, ask a real person you trust.

Buddy says

Three small facts is plenty. You do not need a long ask to get a good answer.

See it work

Watch three small facts sharpen the answer.

A quick, vague try

give me a dinner idea

Add the who, what & how

A clear request

I need a simple dinner idea for two people tonight. Please give me 3 choices with a short grocery list.

What the AI sends back

Here are 3 easy dinners for two: 1. Pasta with tomato sauce. You need pasta, jar sauce, and parmesan. 2. Veggie quesadillas. You need tortillas, cheese, and peppers. 3. Rice bowls. You need rice, canned beans, and salsa. Want me to pick the quickest one?

It is the same idea. But the second ask adds who it is for, when, and the form: 3 choices with a list.

Add a few useful details to your ask

Let's get your AI open first.

A few small facts help AI aim.

Watch three small facts sharpen the answer.

Which message tells AI what you really need?

Add three small facts to your own ask.

You made your ask fit your real task.