From layered prompt pyramids to five-step frameworks, everyone seems to be chasing the perfect formula for talking to AI. But more content and more structure doesn’t always mean more clarity, and it definitely doesn’t guarantee better results.
After experimenting with all kinds of setups, there’s one line I keep coming back to. I first spotted it circulating in a few Medium articles, gave it a try, and it completely changed how I approach conversations with AI.
“Please ask me any questions you have before you begin.”
That’s it. That’s the prompt. And it works better than anything else I’ve tried.
Why This One Line Changes Everything
This isn’t just about getting a better response, it’s about setting the tone for collaboration. When you start a prompt this way, you invite the AI to pause, think, and engage like a creative partner, not a vending machine spitting out words as fast as it can. This one question-first prompt does three things really well:
1. It Forces You (and the AI) to Get Clear on What Matters
Sometimes we jump into ChatGPT asking for help before we even know what we really need. We skip context, forget the audience, and hope the AI will “just get it.” Spoiler: it usually doesn’t.
Asking the AI to ask you questions slows that impulse down. It makes the exchange thoughtful, intentional, and more relevant. That clarity? In my experience, it translates directly into more targeted results.
2. It Stops the AI From Guessing
By default, ChatGPT tries to be helpful by jumping straight into a reply, whether or not it fully understands the request. Asking it to pause and clarify first signals that you’re here to collaborate. You’re not rushing; you want precision. This tiny shift can help make your outputs more useful.
3. It Creates a Feedback Loop Instead of a One-Off Answer
Instead of a single exchange, you are now in a conversation. And, here’s where the magic happens:
- The AI asks smart follow-ups.
- You provide specifics.
- It responds with a customized, aligned answer.
The result is no longer just content that sounds better, but content that actually fits your goals, your tone, and your audience.
Illustration of a humanoid robot with question marks hovering above its head (Midjourney, 2025).
Real Example: One Prompt, Two Different Results
Let’s say you’re asking ChatGPT to help with a training strategy.
You could say:
🟡 “Create a training plan for our new leadership program.”
You get something… it’s okay. Generic. Usable, but uninspired.Or you say:
🟢 “Create a training plan for our new leadership program. Please ask me any questions you have before you begin.”
Now, it might ask:
- Who’s the target audience?
- What industry are they in?
- What are the core behaviors you’re hoping to change?
- Is this in-person, remote, or hybrid?
Suddenly, your plan isn’t just content, it’s context-driven and ready to be implemented. You’re not just getting an answer; you’re building alignment. And in this AI era, that’s everything.
Illustration of a person standing in profile with several design screens around them (Midjourney, 2025).
What This Means for Instructional Designers (and Anyone Creating Content)
Whether you’re building a course, a job aid, or a client proposal, this prompt works because it makes space for exploration. You’re not over-engineering it; you’re co-creating it.
This approach is especially powerful for:
- Outlining course content
- Writing emails, scripts, or lesson plans
- Building assessments and rubrics
- Personalizing material for specific learner personas
- Developing microlearning modules or quick-reference guides
It’s not about having a “magic formula.” It’s about leading the conversation with curiosity and purpose.
Illustration of person shaking hands with a humanoid robot coming out of a screen (Midjourney, 2025).
A Note on Prompt Overload
There’s a trend right now where people are treating prompts like a new form of resume-writing: overly detailed, robotic, and packed with jargon. But long prompts don’t always guarantee tailored results; they can often box the AI into a weird, stiff corner.
Creativity happens in dialogue, not in templates.
Final Thoughts
If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this:
“Please ask me any questions you have before you begin.”
It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. This one prompt invites better questions, clearer answers, and stronger outcomes without the gimmicks. Because good learning design (and good AI use) starts with listening…even when the listener is a machine.
Please note you can also read this article on Medium.