It's Just a Conversation
The most important thing to understand about AI chat tools: you talk to them the same way you'd talk to a helpful person. Type your question or request in plain English, and they'll respond. You don't need any special commands or codes.
If their answer isn't quite right, you can simply say, "That's not quite what I meant — can you try again?" Or ask a follow-up question. The AI remembers what you've said in the same conversation.
The Golden Rule
Talk to AI the way you'd talk to a helpful but new assistant who doesn't know you yet. Be specific about what you need, and don't be afraid to ask them to redo or simplify their answer.
The Three Main Tools
ChatGPT — chat.openai.com
Best for: General questions, writing help, creative tasks. The most widely known AI. Has a free version. Best if you want to try AI for the first time.
Think of it as: A very knowledgeable friend who's happy to help with almost anything.
Claude — claude.ai
Best for: Reading and explaining long documents, thoughtful conversations, careful responses. Made by Anthropic, a company focused on AI safety.
Think of it as: A patient, careful reader who explains things clearly and admits when it's unsure.
Microsoft Copilot — Built into Windows & Office
Best for: People who already use Microsoft products. It's built right into Word, Outlook, and the Edge browser. No separate account needed if you have a Microsoft account.
Think of it as: An assistant already inside the programs you use every day.
How to Ask a Good Question
The quality of your answer depends a lot on how you phrase your question. Here's the key principle: the more specific you are, the better the response.
Compare these approaches:
"Tell me about my health."
"Can you explain what high blood pressure means and what lifestyle changes are generally recommended?"
"Write me a letter."
"Write a polite letter to my landlord asking to repair the broken heater in my apartment. Keep it short and friendly."
A Real Example Conversation
Here's what it actually looks like to have a helpful exchange with an AI assistant:
My doctor mentioned I should try "mindfulness" for stress. Can you explain what that means in simple terms?
Mindfulness means paying gentle attention to what's happening right now — your breath, the sounds around you, how your body feels — without worrying about the past or future. It's like taking a quiet moment to simply notice where you are.
A simple way to start: sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take 5 slow breaths. Each time your mind wanders (and it will!), gently bring your attention back to your breathing. That's it. Even 5 minutes a day can help reduce stress over time.
That's helpful. Can you suggest a simple daily routine I could try as a beginner?
Absolutely. Here's a beginner-friendly 5-minute routine:
1. Morning (2 min): Right after waking up, sit up and take 10 slow, deep breaths before reaching for your phone.
2. Midday (2 min): Before eating lunch, pause and notice 5 things you can see around you. This slows your mind down.
3. Evening (1 min): Before bed, think of one thing that went well today.
Start with just one of these, not all three. Adding a new habit is easier when you keep it small at first.
What to Do When AI Gets It Wrong
It will happen — AI sometimes gives incorrect or outdated information. Here's what to do:
Push back politely
You can say "I don't think that's right" or "Can you double-check that?" — the AI will try to correct itself.
Ask for sources
Type "Where did you get that information?" Some AI tools (like Perplexity) will show you links to their sources.
Verify with a trusted source
For health info, check WebMD, Mayo Clinic, or ask your doctor. For news, check a newspaper you trust.
Scam Warning: Fake "AI Assistants"
Scammers sometimes create fake websites or pop-up ads that look like AI tools but are designed to steal information or charge your credit card. Safe rules to follow:
- Only use AI tools you've looked up yourself — don't click links in emails or pop-ups claiming to be AI assistants
- The real ChatGPT is at chat.openai.com, Claude at claude.ai, Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com
- Legitimate AI tools never call you on the phone
- If any AI tool asks for your bank or credit card info to answer a question, leave immediately
Safety Takeaway for This Lesson
- AI is most helpful when you're specific about what you need
- Always double-check health, legal, or financial information with a professional
- Only use AI from official websites — not links in emails or ads
- It's fine to say "I don't understand, can you explain that differently?" — good AI tools will gladly try again
Make it yours
My Everyday Prompt Cards
Try one prompt, ask for an improvement, and save the version that helps you. Use fictional details during the group demonstration.