Give the drill a direction
Would you thank a drill for making a hole, or swear at it when the hole is wrong? Neither tells it where the next hole should go.
AI accepts everyday language, but it still needs clear direction. Saying hello or thank you is optional. Courtesy is not the problem; missing or contradictory instructions are.
Think, then write
Before giving a task, take a moment to decide what you want. State the goal, add the useful facts, and explain any limits. Say who the result is for and what form it should take.
You do not need special commands or technical language. Short, clear sentences are enough.
For example: “Write a short email to a customer explaining that their delivery will arrive on Friday. Apologise for the delay. Do not promise a refund.”
That gives the tool something concrete to work with.
Make changes clear
We often think aloud, change our minds and leave unfinished ideas behind. If you first ask for a formal email and later want a friendly one, say which instruction replaces the other.
You can use AI to explore an idea before you know the answer. Just make that intention clear: “Help me compare these options. We have not decided yet.”
Exploring and giving final instructions are different stages. Mark the decision when you reach it.
Correct the work, not the tool's feelings
“That is rubbish” expresses frustration, but does not explain the error. “The delivery date is Friday, not Thursday. Correct it” gives useful direction.
Point out what is wrong, provide the correct information or a source, and say what should change. If you are unsure, ask for a check rather than presenting your guess as a fact.
Clear instructions help, but they do not guarantee a correct answer. You still need to check the result.
Context Management explains how all these messages collect in a conversation, like water in a bucket.