How to Talk to AI — Roles, Goals, and Structure

AI works much better if both you and it know who it is —  which role each of you is playing.

The first thing to remember is that you’re the boss. You’re always the boss. To get the most and the best out of an LLM, you have to think and direct as the boss. 

So be the boss.

Here’s an example of a problem that you, the boss might need to solve with the team.

Boss directive:

“We need to win back lapsed customers before Q4. We need to draft some email subject lines to test?”

Then, think of AI as your most promising intern with gallons of coffee at its disposal. Smart, can-do attitude, ridiculously book-smart, quick, literal, and tireless. 

But like any intern, it only performs well with clear direction, including its goals and the structure of how you’re trying to accomplish the task. 

So here’s what the boss directive looks like when you translate it to an effective LLM prompt.

Prompt:

“You are a digital marketing associate at an outdoor gear brand. Craft three email subject lines aimed at previous buyers who haven’t purchased in 6 months. Tone: friendly but urgent. Keep each to 50 characters.”

Give it a role, a goal, and structure. You’re not just asking for ideas. You’re about to unleash the greatest intern. 

Next up: If You Don’t Say It, It Won’t Know