Let the AI Ask First

Part of the Prompting Techniques section of Coddy's AI Prompts journey. Lesson 9 of 24.

Sometimes you don't know which details matter. Ask for a birthday party plan and the AI invents everything: the age, the budget, the place. The plan looks complete, but it fits an imaginary party.

Flip it around and have the AI interview you first:

I want help planning a birthday party. Before giving any advice, ask me 3 short questions about what you need to know. Only ask the questions.

Sure! To help plan your birthday party, I'll need some information. What is the main theme or style of the party? What's the budget for the event? How many people are expected to attend?

Two parts make it work. A number of questions keeps the list short. Only ask the questions makes the AI wait for your answers instead of planning anyway. Answer in your next message, and the advice fits your real situation.

Challenge

Easy

You need a cover letter for a junior designer job, but the AI knows nothing about you or the job.

You have 2 messages. First, have the AI ask you 3 questions before it writes anything. Then answer them: the company is Brightlab, you have 2 years of experience with Figma, and the tone should be friendly but professional. Ask for the letter in the same message.

The AI's response must: