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Prompt Coach

What is a prompt? A beginner's guide to using AI

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If you’ve heard people talk about ChatGPT and aren’t quite sure what it is or where to begin, this guide is for you. No tech skills needed.

What AI chat tools are

Tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are programs you can talk to by typing, just like a chat. You ask for something in plain words and they answer: they help you write a message, explain something confusing, suggest ideas or organize information.

What a prompt is

A prompt is simply the message you type to the AI. That’s it. It sounds technical, but it isn’t.

What matters is this: the clearer your message, the better the answer. Type “recipe” and you’ll get a random recipe. Type “an easy dinner for 4 using chicken, rice and carrots, no oven” and you’ll get exactly what you need.

Where to use it for free

The three best-known tools all have free versions. You just sign up with your email:

  • ChatGPT: chatgpt.com
  • Claude: claude.ai
  • Gemini: gemini.google.com (if you have a Google account, you’re already set)

They all work on computers and phones. Not sure which to pick? Start with ChatGPT, the most widely used.

How to write your first message

Imagine asking a very capable person who doesn’t know you for help. Tell them three things:

  1. What you need. “I want to write a birthday message.”
  2. Who or what it’s for. “It’s for my brother, who’s turning 60.”
  3. How you want it. “Warm, a little funny, and short.”

Put together:

I want to write a birthday message for my brother, who's turning 60.
Make it warm, a little funny, and short.

That’s already a good prompt.

If you don’t like the answer

You don’t need to start over. Reply the way you would to a person:

  • “Make it shorter.”
  • “Less formal, like a text message.”
  • “Give me three more options.”

The AI remembers what you’ve said in that conversation and adjusts.

What never to type into it

  • Passwords or verification codes sent to your phone.
  • Card numbers or bank details.
  • Documents with other people’s private information.

And keep in mind that AI sometimes gets facts, dates or numbers wrong. For health, money or legal matters, treat its answers as a starting point and double-check with someone you trust or a professional.

How the coach helps

If you don’t know what to write, the coach asks you simple questions, one at a time, and writes the message for you. At the end you tap a button, ChatGPT (or the AI you choose) opens, and you just paste and send.

Once you’re comfortable, learn how to be even more precise in the anatomy of a great prompt.

Keep learning