How to Use AI Well
A plain-English guide to the four things that actually matter when using AI tools — from first prompt to daily habit.
1. Choose the right tool for the task
ChatGPT and Claude are best for writing, reasoning, summarising, and brainstorming. Perplexity is better when you need current information with source links. Google Gemini integrates tightly with Google Docs and Gmail.
2. Write prompts that actually work
Three things that reliably improve output: (1) Give context — who you are and what you need. (2) Specify the format. (3) Tell it what to avoid. If the first response is not right, refine it rather than starting over.
3. Verify what matters
AI can confidently state wrong facts. Use AI freely for brainstorming and drafting. For anything where accuracy matters — dates, statistics, medical information, legal details — verify with a primary source before acting on it.
4. Build a daily AI habit
Pick one recurring task this week that you find slightly tedious and try using AI for it three times. The habit builds from there. The people who get the most value from AI reach for it reflexively for small tasks, not just big projects.
Related listening: S4E1: Giving AI Context • S4E2: ChatGPT Is Not Google