Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini have become increasingly popular in Nigeria, helping people write emails, plan businesses, create content, and solve everyday problems. But many users struggle to get quality results because they don’t know how to prompt AI effectively. The difference between a brilliant AI response and a useless one often comes down to how you ask the question.
Think of AI like hiring a skilled assistant who is eager to help but needs clear instructions. The better you explain what you need, the better results you’ll get. Here’s how to master the art of AI prompting.
Be Specific About What You Want
Vague requests produce vague results. Instead of asking “write about business,” try “write a 500-word article explaining how small business owners in Lagos can use social media to attract customers without spending money on ads.” The second prompt tells the AI exactly what topic to cover, how long it should be, who the audience is, and what angle to take.
Include relevant details about your situation. If you’re asking for help with a CV, mention your industry, years of experience, and the type of role you’re targeting. If you need a business plan, specify your location, target market, and available capital. The AI can tailor its response when it understands your context.
Give Examples of What You Like
Show the AI what good looks like. If you want a professional email, you might say: “Write like this example, but for my situation: ‘Dear Mr Okonkwo, I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to follow up on our discussion regarding the partnership opportunity…” The AI will match that tone and structure.
This works for creative content, too. Want a catchy Instagram caption? Share a few examples you admire and ask the AI to create something similar for your product or service.
Tell It What to Avoid
Sometimes it’s easier to explain what you don’t want. You might say: “Write a wedding invitation message, but don’t make it too formal or use old-fashioned language. Avoid religious references since we have guests from different faiths.” This helps the AI steer clear of approaches that won’t work for your situation.
Ask for Step-by-Step Thinking
For complex tasks, request that the AI show its reasoning. Try adding: “Think through this step-by-step before giving your final answer”, or “Break down your solution into stages.” This often produces more thoughtful, accurate results, especially for planning, problem-solving, or technical questions.
If you’re trying to budget for a wedding, calculate business expenses, or plan a project timeline, asking the AI to work through the steps helps catch errors and shows you the logic behind its suggestions.
Request Specific Formats
Do you need your information as a table, bullet points, or a formal letter? Just ask. “Create a weekly meal plan in table format with breakfast, lunch, and dinner” yields organised, scannable results. “Give me 5 business name ideas with explanations” structures the response clearly. Specify if you want something you can copy directly into WhatsApp, paste into a Word document, or present in a meeting.
Have a Conversation, Not Just One Question
Don’t treat AI like Google search, where you ask once and leave. If the first response isn’t quite right, keep talking. Say “make it more professional,” “simplify this for someone without technical knowledge,” or “add more specific examples relevant to Nigerian businesses.” Each follow-up helps the AI understand what you’re looking for.
Test and Refine Your Approach
The best way to improve your prompting skills is practice. Try the same question with different levels of detail and see which produces better results. Save prompts that work well for you and reuse them with modifications.
Verify Important Information
AI can make mistakes, especially with facts, numbers, and recent events. Always double-check critical information like legal advice, medical guidance, financial calculations, or current news. Use AI as a helpful starting point, not the final authority on important matters.
The Bottom Line
Effective AI prompting is about clear communication. Treat the AI like a capable but literal-minded assistant who needs explicit instructions. Be specific, provide context, give examples, and don’t hesitate to refine your requests through conversation. With practice, you’ll transform AI from a frustrating tool into a powerful ally that saves time and enhances your work.
