NYTimes shares simple tips for getting better answers from AI

In short: Experts say you can get better AI answers by writing clearer prompts with context, specifics, a role, and a requested format.

What's going on

People often ask AI tools vague questions and then feel disappointed by the results. The advice highlighted by The New York Times is straightforward: generic questions usually lead to generic answers.

Across multiple expert sources, the most repeated tip is to be specific and to add context. Context means explaining what you are trying to do, who the answer is for, and any background that changes what a good answer looks like. It is like asking for directions and also saying whether you are walking, driving, or using a wheelchair.

Experts also recommend telling the AI what “role” to play, like a teacher, editor, or travel agent, and asking for a clear output format. Output format just means what the answer should look like, like a bullet list, a table, or a short email. Another common suggestion is to break big requests into smaller steps, and to treat prompting as an ongoing back and forth, where you refine your request if the first answer misses the point.

A simple framework repeated in several guides is: persona + task + context + format. In plain terms, that is who the AI should be, what it should do, why it matters, and how you want it delivered.

What to watch

As more people use AI for everyday tasks like trip planning, writing, and studying, knowing how to ask better questions may become a basic skill. Tools and prompt helpers, including directories and prompt-focused products like PromptCraft and ProAIPrompt, may also become more popular as people look for reusable templates.

Source: NYTimes