How to Make ChatGPT Give You Useful Answers Instead of Vague Tech Talk
You’re not imagining it. You open ChatGPT (or another AI tool), type what feels like a normal question, and it answers with a long, fuzzy wall of text. Lots of “considerations,” not much “do this next.” That’s frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to finish a task and move on with your day. The fix is simple: stop asking it like a search box, and start briefing it like a helper. Give it a short mini brief in one message, then tell it exactly how to format the answer. You’ll get clearer steps, fewer side quests, and advice that fits your real life instead of generic tech talk.
⚡ In a Hurry? Key Takeaways
- Give the AI a “mini brief” (who you are, goal, skill level, time) so it stops guessing and starts helping.
- Ask for numbered steps, plain language, and a hard limit like “stop after 5 points.”
- Don’t share passwords or private info. Use placeholders like “my bank” or “my iPhone model.”
Why AI answers often feel vague
Most AI tools are trying to be helpful to everyone at once. If your question is broad, it gives a broad answer. If it doesn’t know your skill level, it explains everything. If it doesn’t know your deadline, it suggests a “perfect” solution that takes all weekend.
So you get a lot of text, but not many decisions made for you.
The simple fix: Give it a “mini brief”
Think of AI like a helpful neighbor who can do research fast, but needs context. In one message, include:
- Who you are (student, parent, small business owner, office worker)
- What you’re trying to do (the real goal, not the tool)
- Your skill level (beginner, comfortable, advanced)
- How much time you have (5 minutes, 30 minutes, “tonight”)
- What the output should look like (numbered steps, checklist, short script)
Copy-and-paste prompt (my go-to)
Mini brief: I am [who you are]. I’m trying to [goal]. My skill level is [beginner/ok/advanced]. I have [time limit].
Answer format: Reply in plain English, in numbered steps. Stop after 5 steps. Ask me up to 2 questions only if you truly need them.
Examples you can steal (so you don’t have to “think like a prompt engineer”)
Example 1: Fix a real tech annoyance
Prompt: Mini brief: I’m a busy parent. I’m trying to stop my iPhone storage from filling up. I’m a beginner. I have 15 minutes. Answer in plain English, in numbered steps. Stop after 5 steps.
If the advice drifts into iCloud confusion, this is a good moment to read How to Stop Your iPhone Photos Filling Up iCloud and Still Keep Your Memories Safe, because it shows a practical, safe way to free space without losing photos.
Example 2: Get a “do this next” plan, not a lecture
Prompt: Mini brief: I run a small Etsy shop. I need to write a short returns policy that sounds friendly but firm. My skill level is ok. I have 20 minutes. Answer in 5 numbered steps. Include a sample policy I can paste.
Example 3: When you’re comparing options
Prompt: Mini brief: I’m shopping for a laptop for basic email, photos, and Zoom. I’m not technical. I have 30 minutes and a $700 budget. Give me 5 numbered steps to choose, and a short “avoid these traps” list at the end.
Make it even better with two tiny add-ons
1) Tell it what to avoid
Add one line like: “Avoid jargon. Don’t give me more than 2 options. Don’t mention anything that requires coding.”
2) Force a decision
If you want the AI to stop sitting on the fence, try: “If there are tradeoffs, pick the best option for my situation and tell me why in one sentence.”
When the answer is still too long (the “tighten it up” follow-up)
Instead of re-asking the whole question, paste this:
“Rewrite that as 5 steps max. Each step must start with a verb. No extra explanations unless I ask.”
This works surprisingly well.
A quick privacy note (because it matters)
Don’t paste passwords, one-time codes, full addresses, or anything you’d regret seeing in a screenshot. If you need help with something sensitive, replace details with placeholders like “my bank,” “my school,” or “my iPhone model.” You’ll still get useful steps.
At a Glance: Comparison
| Feature/Aspect | Details | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity of answers | Mini brief plus “5 numbered steps” reduces rambling and forces action | Big improvement fast |
| Personalization | Skill level and time limit stop the AI from guessing what you can handle | Worth the extra 20 seconds |
| Effort required | One reusable script you can copy, paste, and tweak | Low effort, high payoff |
Conclusion
If AI has been making you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A lot of people quietly think, “Maybe I’m just not good at this.” You are. The tool just needs a better briefing. Keep a tiny mini-brief template around, ask for 5 numbered steps, and make it stop when it hits the limit. Once you do that, AI stops being a toy that eats time and starts being a practical helper you can use on an ordinary Tuesday.