The only constant in technology is change. From the early days of the internet to smart phones, cloud-based software, social media, blockchain, wearable tech… the pace of innovation keeps increasing. And now artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest chapter. The good news? You’re probably a lot more ready to tackle AI than you think.

When you ask AI a question or assign it a task, that’s called prompting. Think of prompting AI like talking to a very well-read assistant. Except this assistant doesn’t understand your needs unless you explain them clearly. And that’s where good prompting comes in.

What does a good prompt look like?

The trick to using AI well is simply learning how to talk to it. It’s a conversation, not a crystal ball. For example, instead of typing “employee engagement strategy,” you might say:

Notice how that’s more than a few words? It gives the AI context. The more background you provide, the better the response you’ll get. You’re not just searching — you’re collaborating.

You can even follow up. If the suggestions aren’t quite right, just say, “Can you make those more tailored to tech employees?” or “What would this look like with a limited budget?” Think of it as a back-and-forth, not a one-and-done.

Practice makes progress

Getting comfortable with AI is just like getting used to any new tool. You wouldn’t expect to be an Excel pro on day one, right? The same goes here. Try using it daily — even if it’s for small things like drafting a job post, rewriting an email or brainstorming ideas for a new benefits project.

Soon, it becomes second nature. You’ll start to get a feel for what to ask and how to ask it. Remember that there’s no such thing as a “dumb” prompt. Every prompt is a chance to learn, and we’ll be here to help when you need it.

For expert results, use Expert AI

Here’s the thing: even with a beautifully written prompt, AI can still miss the mark. Your results are only as good as the tool you use.

This is where a tool like Expert shines. AI can generate ideas and save time, but Expert ensures that what you’re using is grounded in deep HR and benefits knowledge and real-world experience — blending together speed and accurate insight.

Homework: Already have Expert? Think of the top three tedious aspects of your job and see how Expert can help with them. Experiment with some of the example prompts below and consider sharing prompt ideas at your next team meeting:

With the right tool in hand, AI isn’t something to be intimidated by. It’s something to explore. Start small, be curious and remember: it’s just another tool to help you do more of what you already do best.