Write a prompt that gives the AI model precise context, role, task, and expected format.

Any question on recent events/prices/releases: check model training date — ignoring = confident wrong answer.

Set "system instructions" once in your account = every chat starts from your context automatically.

Every AI claim needs a live source. Never cite a source you haven't read.

Give the model 2-3 complete input-output examples before your ask, instead of explaining the rule verbally.

Ask the model to "think out loud" step by step before the final answer, especially for logic and math problems.

Show the model 2-5 examples of the desired output style so it mirrors the pattern with high precision.

Ask the model to decompose the problem and show its reasoning before answering, raising accuracy on complex tasks.

The model does not know what happened after its training cutoff. Know each model's cutoff.

Don't default to the biggest model. Choose by: task depth, cost, privacy, speed.

Use an LLM to draft an email in 30 seconds, then edit by hand for personal tone.

In every long message you reply to, quote the specific line/question to make the thread readable.

When an LLM helps you with content you publish or send, disclose it clearly.

For critical information, ask two different models (Claude and GPT, say) the same question independently, and compare before relying on either.