Getting started with AI

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You don’t have to be a computer expert to try AI. You can often begin by typing—or speaking—as though you were explaining a task to a helpful assistant.

The useful skill is giving it enough context, then judging whether the result makes sense.

Five everyday things to try

1. Explain a confusing letter

Ask: “Explain this in plain English. What is it asking me to do, and which dates matter?”

Remove names, account numbers and other private details first. Check the explanation against the original letter, especially deadlines and payment instructions.

2. Help write a message

Try: “Turn these notes into a friendly, straightforward email. Keep it short and don’t add promises I haven’t made.”

Read it before sending. The message should still sound like you.

3. Organise a project

Say what you want to achieve, how much time you have and what is already done.

For example: “Help me organise a small community event. Ask me what you need to know before making a checklist.”

4. Suggest meals

Give it your ingredients, preferences and available time.

“Suggest three simple meals using these ingredients. One person dislikes tuna, and I don’t want lots of washing up.”

Check suitability for allergies or other dietary needs yourself.

5. Talk through a technical problem

Describe the device, the exact message and what you’ve already tried.

Ask: “Give me one step at a time. Start with checks that won’t delete anything.”

If it proposes resetting a device or removing an account, make sure you understand the consequences before proceeding.

Treat it as a conversation

You can say:

“That’s too technical—explain it more simply.”
“What information are you missing?”
“Give me a shorter version.”
“Which parts should I check?”
“That isn’t what I meant. Here’s an example.”

You don’t need an elaborate special command.

Know when to check

AI can produce plausible mistakes, including incorrect facts, invented references and instructions for the wrong software version.

Ask for sources when accuracy matters, then open them and check that they actually support the answer. For medical, legal or financial decisions, use appropriately qualified advice.

Keep private information private

Before uploading documents, consider what they contain and how the service handles them.

Avoid sharing passwords, security codes, banking details or confidential client information. For work material, follow your organisation’s policy and use an approved service.

What I can help with

We can try a task that matters to you, practise useful follow-up questions and work out where AI saves time—and where your own judgement needs to take over.