Most of us use AI the same way. We open ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or another AI assistant, type a question, and wait for an answer. However, there’s a simple trick that can dramatically improve the advice you get. Instead of asking AI to immediately solve your problem, ask it to interview you first.

How It Works

For example, instead of typing: “What’s the best laptop for me?” Try this instead: “You’re my computer expert. Don’t answer yet. Ask me whatever questions you need before making a recommendation.” The conversation changes immediately. Instead of guessing what you need, AI starts asking questions much like a knowledgeable salesperson would: What will you use the computer for? What’s your budget? Do you travel often? Is battery life important? Do you edit photos or videos?

By the time AI makes a recommendation, it knows much more about your needs, so the advice is far more personalized. The same approach works well for many everyday decisions. Planning a vacation? Try this prompt: “You’re an experienced travel agent. Don’t recommend anything yet. First, ask me whatever questions you need to build the perfect itinerary.” Looking for financial guidance? Tell AI: “You’re my financial coach. Before giving advice, ask me questions about my goals, spending, and priorities.”

Why This Works

Better answers come from better information. It’s the same reason your doctor asks questions before making a diagnosis or a financial advisor learns about your goals before offering recommendations. AI can’t read your mind. The more context you give it, the more useful its responses become.

Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.