You don’t need to be technical to use AI – you just need to start with purpose. Here’s how to do it well from the very first prompt.

[If you are totally new to AI, you may want to read this article first]

So you’ve heard of AI and maybe even read an introduction, but now you’re staring at a blank screen wondering what to do next. That’s perfectly normal. In this second post, let’s walk through how to actually use an AI tool well technically and thoughtfully and how to build a working partnership with AI from day one.

You don’t need to be a programmer to benefit from AI. This guide is for anyone working on real-world tasks from professionals and students to caregivers, planners, and creatives.

Step 1: Get to know AI by asking it a few basic questions

Before jumping into your first task, take a moment to ask a few simple questions. These help set expectations and establish a tone of curiosity and clarity and its especially helpful if you’re new to AI. Sometimes the best way to know how to best use AI is to ask AI:

a) “What kind of tasks are you best at helping with?”
This gives you a quick sense of AI’s strengths : idea generation, drafting, summarizing, and more. AI won’t do your homework or your job for you entirely. It helps with frameworks and drafts, but you need to proofread and check that the answer is actually addressing your needs.

b) “What are some things you can’t do or don’t know?”
Learn early what not to expect, like real-time data, personal opinions, or sensory experiences. It can’t watch a video or hear music. It can only tell you what people may have written about that painting or song.

c) “How should I ask for help with writing/summarizing/brainstorming?”
Helps you learn how to phrase requests clearly. The better the question, the faster the path to a useful result.

d) “What do you need from me to do this well?”
Encourages you to provide goals, format, audience, and context. For example, if it’s a fundraiser communication plan, share who it’s for, the desired tone, and who will review it.

Step 2: Start with a Real Task (Not Just a “Hello”)

Instead of simply typing “hi,” ask AI to help with something specific:

“Create a report on the current status of renewable energy in Finland. Include recent data, government policy highlights, and the role of wind and hydropower. Keep it under 800 words.”

If you’re unsure how to ask, explain your goal:

“I need to write a short report for work about renewable energy in Finland, but I don’t know where to begin. Can you help me outline it?”

AI will often guide you with clarifying questions or suggestions.

Step 3: Interface with It Like a Thought Partner

No need for perfect grammar, just clarity. Be specific:

• “This is for a team of engineers. Keep the language precise.”
• “Add a few bullet points to make this easier to skim.”
• “Suggest a stronger title — something catchy but still professional.”

These details help AI understand your needs. Most paid versions of AI can remember your preferences.

Step 4: Use Follow-Up Prompts for Refinement

Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Use follow-up prompts like:

• “Can you make this shorter and punchier?”
• “Add a paragraph about environmental impact.”
• “Change the tone — it’s too formal for a presentation.”

You remain in charge of the project and how it is shaping towards the outcome with each step.

Step 5: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Different AI tools suit different needs:

• ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com) – Great for writing, drafting, brainstorming. Free and paid tiers.
• Claude by Anthropic (https://claude.ai) – Helpful and clear tone, good for professional tasks.
• Perplexity AI (https://www.perplexity.ai) – Research-oriented, with citations.
• Gemini by Google (https://gemini.google.com) -Ties in with Google tools, helpful for Docs and Gmail.

Try a few and see which feels right for your style of work. Like any good toolbox, each tool has a role.

Suggested Prompt Starters

• “Summarize this article into three bullet points.”
• “Help me prepare questions for an interview with a circularity expert.”
• “Give me 3 headline options for a company newsletter.”
• “Explain this policy to someone without a technical background.”

You don’t need to be an AI expert to benefit. Just treat it like a smart teammate: fast, helpful, and always ready to try again.

But for now: Pick a tool. Try a task. Start the partnership.