Tech

Get More from AI: 10 Smart AI Prompts to Try Today

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—whether it’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or Google’s AI-enhanced search results. Smart AI prompts help users get the most out of these tools, making tasks easier and more efficient. AI is now deeply integrated into the apps and services we use daily, transforming how we work and interact with technology.

I often hear from listeners on my national radio show who don’t know where to start. That’s why I’m here to help! AI isn’t going away, so let’s explore some key tools and powerful prompts to maximize its potential.

Start with the Right AI Tool

There are many AI options, but beginning with a well-established platform is a smart move. Here are my top recommendations:

ChatGPT: My first choice AI for brainstorming ideas, simplifying tasks, editing writing, and correcting spreadsheets. It is available on the web, iPhone, and Android with a free tier that works for most people.
Perplexity: A research and learning tool, this one is good for deep explanations such as "How do black holes work?" or "What does the Ninth Amendment mean?
DeepSeek: A new AI from China, which allegedly beats ChatGPT, Meta's Llama, and Google Gemini. Be sure to follow the best security and privacy practices when using it.

Another handy tool is Google NotebookLM, which lets you upload audio files, notes, and documents to easily organize and retrieve information. One listener even used it to create training modules for employees!

How to Get the Best AI Results

Using AI is as easy as a Google search, but knowing how to refine your prompts will help you get the best responses.

A key strategy is “priming”—giving specific instructions to AI to shape its response. Examples include:

AI doesn’t read minds, so be clear in your prompts. A great trick is using *”do” and “don’t”* statements. For example:

Cooking for friends with allergies? Ask: “Create a recipe for six people. Do include protein, fruits, vegetables, and carbs. Don’t include dairy, shellfish, or nuts.”

10 Smart AI Prompts to Try

1. How can I improve this?

Copy and paste anything you’ve written, and AI will help refine it.

2. You're an expert. Find any errors in my work.

Example: “You’re an English professor. Check my blog post for typos and grammar mistakes.”

You can tweak the prompt for other areas: “You’re a life coach. Help me build a daily meditation plan.”

3. Explain this like I'm 10.

Brilliant for taking seemingly insurmountable topics (from science to finance) and breaking them down.

4. Remember that…

Within ChatGPT (Settings > Personalization > Memory), preferences can be stored. Example: “Remember, I drink tea, not coffee.”

5. Analyze this data for trends and insights.

For lists, numbers, even pictures

6. What is missing?

Use this for work reports, packing lists, or anything where you might overlook something.

7. Who are their competitors?

Research competitors when evaluating a service or seeking new business prospects.

8. Give me five creative ideas for …

Use it for business names, birthday gifts, dinner recipes, and more.

9. Summarize this in three sentences.

Condenses long articles, contracts, and reports. You can also ask for bullet points.

10. Explain both sides of this argument.

Politics, personal dilemmas, or to understand a controversy.

AI: Your First Step, Not Your Last

AI can speed up work, enhance creativity, and teach you new things, but it’s not infallible. It doesn’t think for itself—it predicts responses based on training data.

Always double-check important information, especially regarding work, finances, and legal matters. AI is a fantastic tool, but human judgment remains essential!