Step 2 — Use Natural, Direct Language 💬
Talk to AI like you would to a colleague—clear, plain, and conversational.
🗣️ What does “Use natural, direct language” mean?
Write prompts as if you’re speaking to someone helpful. Avoid shorthand, keyword stuffing, or robotic phrasing.
Tip: If you wouldn’t say it to a coworker, don’t write it that way to AI.
💡 Why it matters
- Models are trained on natural human text—plain English works best.
- Simple, direct requests cut down on confusion.
- You don’t need technical syntax—just clarity.
🔧 Before → After
Before: “Renewable energy definition please.”
After: Explain renewable energy in simple terms with one everyday example.
Before: “AI essay 500 words citation.”
After: Write a 500-word essay on the impact of AI in education. Include 3 APA-style citations.
✍️ Mini exercise
- Take a prompt you wrote in “search engine” style.
- Rewrite it as a plain request to a person.
- Check: Is it clearer? Shorter? Easier to read?
⚠️ Common pitfalls
❌ Too robotic: “Photosynthesis process definition bullet points.” → ✅ Fix: Explain photosynthesis in 5 bullet points for high school students.
🚀 Quick starters
Summarize this article in plain English for a 9th grader.Explain blockchain like you’re talking to a beginner.Write instructions in everyday language for setting up Wi-Fi.
✅ Self-check
- Does my prompt sound like how I’d explain it to a person?
- Did I avoid jargon unless necessary?
- Is the request direct and easy to understand?
