🧭 AI Library - Writing Prompts: 1-2-3!
Ask → Review → Refine
If other people can’t understand what you’re asking, the AI probably won’t either.
1️⃣ Ask A Question
What to do: Start with a clear, natural-language question. Be specific about what you want the AI to do — explain, summarize, compare, create, or analyze.
Example: “Explain the difference between revenue and profit.”
Tip: Need help phrasing your question? Ask the AI for help!
2️⃣ Review The Answer
What to do: Read the AI’s answer critically. Ask yourself:
- Does it make sense?
- Does it answer what I meant?
- Is anything missing, vague, or off-topic?
Example: “That’s helpful, but can you include an example from a real company?”
Goal: Develop the habit of evaluating AI responses — not just accepting them.
3️⃣ Refine The Question
What to do: Revise your question based on what you learned. Add details, constraints, or clearer intent — then ask again.
Example: “Compare Apple’s and Samsung’s profit margins in the last fiscal year.”
Each refinement brings the AI closer to what you really need — that’s iteration.
💡 Why It Works
This three-step loop builds the same habits expert users apply:
- Clarity of intent (Step 1)
- Critical thinking (Step 2)
- Iterative improvement (Step 3)
Once comfortable with this rhythm, you can explore advanced techniques like chain-of-thought reasoning, persona prompts, and contextual framing.
🧠 Try It Yourself
Write your own prompt below and experiment with the Ask → Review → Refine process. Copy your text directly into ChatGPT to test it.
🟠 The Golden Rule: If other people can’t understand what you’re asking, the AI probably won’t either.
Written by ChatGPT | Edited by Peter Z. McKay | © 2025 UF Business Library AI Series