Business & Software

When working with AI systems, the way in which you formulate your input plays a decisive role in the quality of the results. Unlike conventional search queries or conversations with humans, there are specific aspects you should consider to achieve optimal outcomes.

Stop Words: Necessary or a Hindrance?

So-called stop words such as “the,” “that,” or “is” are typically ignored by most search engines, as they are often irrelevant for understanding the context. However, when communicating with AI, these words can sometimes help create a more natural and clear structure. Nevertheless, in precise, technical queries, you should avoid unnecessary words. For example, instead of “Can you please show me the current weather in Berlin?”, simply writing “Current weather Berlin” is sufficient.

Should You Thank the AI?

It may seem unusual, but many users tend to thank AI systems. While politeness is essential in human dialogue, it does not affect an AI. Expressing gratitude is not a problem, but it will not improve the quality of the response. If you want to reach a solution more quickly, you can simply omit such phrases.

Targeted Use of Technical Terms

Using technical terms and precise language can significantly help the AI deliver accurate results. Especially in technical contexts, such as programming, it makes a big difference whether you use specific terms like “SSL certificate,” “MariaDB ColumnStore,” or “Docker container.” The more precise and targeted your input, the better the results you will receive.

Swearing: Venting Frustration or a Problem?

Swearing or using emotionally charged language may help you vent frustration, but it will not assist the AI. In fact, such expressions can confuse the outcome, as AI relies on clarity and logic. Even if it is tempting, it is best to avoid swearing. The AI will understand your problem more effectively if you remain calm and structured.

The Right Choice of Output Format: Markdown, JSON, or HTML?

Another important aspect when working with AI is the output format. Depending on your intended use, you can specify how the AI should structure its response. If you want a clearly structured yet simple answer, Markdown is often the best choice. JSON is ideal for machine-readable data, while HTML is suitable if the output is to be displayed on a website. By explicitly requesting these formats, you will receive results more efficiently and in a form that you can process further.

Building and Expanding Questions

One of the most effective ways to obtain accurate answers from an AI is to build and expand your questions step by step. A single, extensive query often leads to inaccurate or overloaded answers. Instead, it is advisable to break down a complex question into smaller, simpler sub-questions and gradually add details. This approach offers several advantages: the AI can address each sub-question specifically, and you have the opportunity to explore the topic in greater depth as you proceed.

For example, a question like “Explain the concept of Docker and how to use it to build a containerization solution for a web app” might be too broad. It is better to start with an initial question such as “What is Docker?” and then continue with “How is Docker used for web apps?” This technique allows you to guide the AI, resulting in more detailed and specific answers.

By building up your questions incrementally, you can not only ensure that you receive the right information, but also address ambiguities and clarify the answers more effectively.

When Does It Make Sense to Open a New AI Session?

Sometimes it can be challenging to decide whether you should continue working within an existing AI session or start a new one. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context and complexity of your request. If you are working on an ongoing topic where the AI already has relevant context, it may be more efficient to continue using the same session. The AI retains an understanding of the previous conversation and can provide more precise answers based on this context.

However, it can also be beneficial to start a new session—especially if you want to address a completely new topic or notice that the AI is heading in the wrong direction due to previous queries. New sessions provide a clean slate, allowing the AI to work without any prior data. This can be helpful if previous answers are not delivering the desired results.

Another example for starting a new session is when you switch from technical questions to general information. Keeping sessions separate can improve the quality of the answers, as the AI does not attempt to link irrelevant context.

Ultimately, the decision depends on the complexity of the topic and the accuracy of the answers so far. If you notice that previous context is interfering with new responses, it is advisable to start a fresh session.

Conclusion

Successful interaction with AI requires more than just asking a simple question. It is about communicating clearly, precisely, and purposefully. Whether by using targeted technical terms, omitting stop words and emotional expressions, or choosing the right output format—these tips will save you time and help you get exactly the answers you need.

Look it up further: AI, Artificial intelligence, Communication

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