This morning, we participated in Tech Coaches "The User's Guide to AI Basics. Here are the 5 basic prompts to getting the information that you really want from the different AIs throughout the web.
Prompt 1
I'm a beginner and want to understand (TOPIC).
Please explain it in:
1. Everyday language
2. A short summary first
3. Step-by-step detail after that
4. Examples that relate to normal daily life
5. A final section called "What I actually need to Remember"
Please avoid technical jargon unless you explain it clearly
Prompt 2
Prompt 3
Prompt 4
Prompt 5
example of prompt 5
I also asked CoPilot to create A “What to do when AI confuses you” cheat sheet
and here is the result
🧩 What To Do When AI Confuses You
A simple cheat sheet for beginners
1️⃣ Pause and Re‑Read the Answer Slowly
Sometimes AI gives:
- Too much information
- Not enough
- Something unrelated
- Something that sounds right but isn’t
A slow re‑read helps you spot what feels “off.”
2️⃣ Ask AI to Try Again (This Is Normal!)
You can say:
- “That’s not what I meant. Try again more simply.”
- “Please explain that in plain language.”
- “Give me the short version.”
- “Start over and keep it beginner‑friendly.”
AI improves with each clarification.
3️⃣ Tell AI What Part Confused You
Examples:
- “I don’t understand step 3.”
- “What does that word mean?”
- “Explain this like I’m brand new to computers.”
You don’t need the right vocabulary — just point to the part that felt fuzzy.
4️⃣ Ask for an Example
Examples make everything clearer. Try:
- “Show me an example.”
- “Give me a sample message.”
- “Can you demonstrate what you mean?”
AI is great at turning abstract ideas into something concrete.
5️⃣ Break the Task Into Smaller Pieces
If the answer feels overwhelming, try:
- “Let’s do this one step at a time.”
- “Start with step 1 only.”
- “Explain the first part first.”
Small steps = big clarity.
6️⃣ Check Important Information Elsewhere
For anything involving:
- Health
- Money
- Legal matters
- Safety
- Personal decisions
Always double‑check with a trusted human or official source.AI is a helper — not the final authority.
7️⃣ Use the Magic Phrase: “Explain it another way.”
This works beautifully when the explanation is:
- Too technical
- Too long
- Too short
- Too complicated
AI will rephrase until it clicks.
8️⃣ If It Still Doesn’t Make Sense… Ask AI What It Thinks You Meant
Try:
- “Tell me what you think I’m asking.”
- “What do you think I’m trying to do?”
This often uncovers the misunderstanding instantly.
9️⃣ Remember: Confusion Is Normal
Even experienced users get odd or incorrect answers.
AI is not perfect — it’s a tool that learns from your guidance.
You’re not doing anything wrong.
🔟 End With a Reset
If things get tangled:
- “Let’s start fresh.”
- “Forget the previous instructions.”
- “Here’s what I want to do…”
A clean slate works wonders.
🌟 Quick Version
(For Printing at the Bottom of a Page)
When AI confuses you:
Re‑read slowly
Ask it to try again
Say what part confused you
Ask for an example
Break it into steps
Double‑check important info
Ask for a simpler explanation
Ask what it thinks you meant
Remember confusion is normal
Reset and start fresh
