Getting started
Your first clear request
You don’t need a special formula to start a conversation with AI. Describe what you want help with in your own words. An unfinished idea can be a good starting point, too. Add the details that matter to your task — and clarify or adjust your request as the conversation develops.
On this page
Start with what you need
Think about something you would like help with. You might want to understand a topic, improve a draft or explore an idea.
These examples illustrate possible requests. Responses will vary.
For example, imagine you want to practise English before a trip. You could begin with:
“Help me practise English.”
This gives the conversation a direction. The AI might suggest an exercise or ask what you want to practise. If you already have a particular situation in mind, include it. If you’re unsure, you can ask for suggestions and choose what seems useful.
Add useful context
The AI may not know your situation or what would make an answer useful to you. Share the details that matter for the task.
For your English practice, that might be your experience, a situation you want to prepare for and how you would like to practise:
I’m a beginner in English. Help me practise ordering in a café. Play the waiter and ask one question at a time. Explain corrections in German.
Your experience and the café setting provide background. The other details explain how you want the conversation to work.
You don’t need to include everything about yourself. Start with relevant details, leave out sensitive personal information and add more as needed.
Continue the conversation
Your first request is a starting point. Read the answer and decide what would help you next. You can ask a question, correct a misunderstanding or change the way you work together.
During your café practice, you might say:
The sentences are too difficult for me. Use shorter sentences and let me try answering before you give an example.
Specific feedback gives the AI a clearer direction than “Try again”. Explain what does not fit and what you would like instead.
If something is unclear, ask for an explanation. If the conversation moves away from your goal, remind the AI what you want to practise. You can adjust your request as you discover what helps you learn.
A clear request is a starting point
A clear request helps explain what you need. It does not guarantee a correct answer.
In your English practice, you can ask why a phrase was suggested. If you’re unsure about the explanation, compare it with a reliable dictionary or learning resource. Asking the same AI to confirm its answer is not an independent check.
Before using an answer, consider what could happen if it is wrong. The more the result matters, the more carefully you should check it.
Do I need to give the AI a role?
No. Use a role when it helps describe the interaction you want.
In our café example, “Play the waiter” gives the AI a part in the practice conversation. For a request such as “Translate this sentence into German”, you can simply state the task.
You can also describe the help you want directly: “Point out unclear wording and explain your suggestions.”
A role describes how you want the AI to respond. It does not give the AI professional qualifications or guarantee that its answers are correct.