Don't be a tool
If you were going to install a faucet in your bathroom - you wouldn't start the job with a chainsaw.
It's not the right tool for the job. Honestly, I am not even sure what tool you'd start with to change out a faucet - for me. step one is to call my handyman - so I guess a phone. But no matter the job - you have to start with the right tool if you are going to be successful.
So, when it comes to communication - what tools are best suited for ensuring you are able to deliver the right message, to the right people, at the right time, using the right channel? I'd argue, the first step is to consider the end. A question I ask at the beginning of any communication is - what does the end result look like if I do this well. Then I work backwards to figure out the best way to deliver that result.
As a writer - I don't start writing with AI. In spite of the pop ups that happen every time I open a window (see image). I might brainstorm with Perplexity or do some research with Claude. I often build a framework or start a big project with an outline that I pass through one of my AI tools to see what I might have missed, or ask some questions about complex or confusing comments. My AI tools are really helpful.
I am able to use them without overpowering my own good sense and experience. But it took some time to be able to use these applications in a way that did not turn my writing into something that sounds like all the other AI responses out there. For one - I don't ever EVER send things out that I haven't read, re-read, and then read again to make sure AI didn't insert something bonkers, or wrong, or made up!
If you are interested in my 3 favorite prompts to help me use AI to poke holes, give me ideas, and find issues with my writing - without losing my voice - check out my prompting guide. It'll give you prompts that ask AI to poke holes, not rewrite; use to define structure and flow checks; and shares how to provide guardrails and compare versions for clarity and understanding.
I'm sharing these 3 prompts in my next weekly email - you can subscribe here and never miss one of my really cool tips!
