How to give AI context

An apology email to a regular customer differs from one to a new customer complaining for the first time. AI does not know that unless you say so. This lesson helps you share just enough about your situation for AI to fit it, without a long story.

Context is the information that helps AI understand your situation. Answer 3 questions:

• Who are you? For example: the owner of a small cafe.
• Who is it for? For example: a regular customer, your manager, a student's parent.
• What is happening? For example: a delivery is 2 days late.

Before: "Write an apology message to a customer."

After: "I own a small cafe. Write an apology to a regular customer because today's order arrived 30 minutes late. Friendly tone, under 50 words."

Note: context does not need real names or phone numbers. "A regular customer" is enough.

Step by step

1. Open ChatGPT

   On a computer or phone, open a web browser and go to chatgpt.com. You can also click "Open ChatGPT" in this lesson's prompt box.

2. Send a request with no context

   Click the message box, type the line below and send it. Read the result.

3. Send it again with context

   Start a new conversation with "New chat". Copy the sample prompt, fill in your details and send.

4. Compare and learn

   Put the two results side by side. Point out which context detail improved the result.

What did you learn?

• Context helps AI understand your situation.
• Answer 3 questions: who you are, who it is for, what is happening.
• Use general terms instead of real names and personal details.