Tips & Tricks

Power moves to get better results from any AI tool

Tips & Tricks

You've got the basics down. Now let's talk about the moves that make AI actually useful in your day-to-day life.

Start Specific, Not Vague

The number one mistake people make? Being too general.

Instead of... Try...
"Write me an email" "Write a polite email to my landlord asking about a lease renewal for July 1st"
"Help me study" "Quiz me on the causes of World War I with 5 multiple-choice questions"
"Give me a recipe" "Give me a 30-minute weeknight dinner recipe using chicken and broccoli"

More detail = better results. Every time.

Follow Up and Refine

Your first result doesn't have to be your last. The AI remembers your conversation, so you can say things like:

  • "Make it shorter"
  • "Make the tone more casual"
  • "Now do the same thing but for a different audience"
  • "Can you add a section about [topic]?"
  • "I liked the second paragraph but the intro feels stiff — rewrite just that part"

Think of it as a conversation, not a one-shot request.

Adjust the Tone

Want something more formal? More friendly? More like a text message? Just say so:

  • "Write this like you're explaining it to a 10-year-old"
  • "Keep it professional but warm"
  • "Make it sound like a casual Slack message"
  • "Write this in the style of a friendly mentor"

The AI is great at matching a vibe when you tell it what vibe you want.

Give It Examples

If you want a specific style, show the AI what you mean:

Write a product description in this style:

"The CloudWalker 3000 isn't just a shoe — it's a lifestyle choice
for people who believe comfort shouldn't come with compromises."

Now write one for a reusable water bottle.

Examples beat explanations almost every time.

Use It as a Thinking Partner

AI isn't just for writing. It's great for thinking things through:

  • "What are the pros and cons of switching to a 4-day work week?"
  • "Help me brainstorm 10 names for a dog grooming business"
  • "I'm stuck on this decision — ask me questions to help me think it through"
  • "Play devil's advocate on this idea: [your idea]"

You don't have to use everything it suggests. Sometimes just seeing options helps you figure out what you actually want.

The Iteration Secret

The people who get the most out of AI tools aren't smarter — they just iterate more. They:

  1. Send a prompt
  2. Look at what comes back
  3. Adjust and ask again
  4. Repeat until it's right

It's not about getting it perfect on the first try. It's about getting it close and then steering it where you need it.

This guide is growing! More power tips coming soon.