AI is the hot topic of the moment. Four years ago, most of us had never used it.

At first, we couldn’t tell the difference between a Google search and an AI chat. Then we learned to hand it our boring, repetitive tasks. Now many people let AI do all of their thinking.

That raises a big question. If we let AI think for us, will we lose our ability to think? Is that where we’re headed?

What If the Reverse Is True?

What if using AI forces us to get better at explaining problems?

This idea builds on a post I wrote about why the question matters more than the answer.

https://frankbuck.org/forget-the-answer-do-you-know-the-question-2/

Yes, we fear AI will rob us of our ability to think through problems and express ourselves. But here’s the point. The better you frame your question, the better the answer AI gives you. That’s how you build AI communication skills.

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Test

Let me show you what I mean with a video about making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You heard me right.

In the video, a child gives his father instructions for making the sandwich. The dad follows those instructions exactly. That’s what makes the video so funny.

AI works the same way. The quality of your answers depends on the quality of your questions and instructions.

Ask AI to Ask You Questions

When I prompt AI, I usually tell it to ask me clarifying questions until it’s sure it knows what I want. That step forces me to make my question and instructions clearer. It’s the same lesson the father and son learn as they make their sandwich.

If you want to write better AI prompts, start there.

Become a Clearer Communicator

Some people will use AI to avoid thinking. But you and I have a better option. We can use it to explain things clearly, say exactly what we want, and predict how others might misread us.

Going forward, our success won’t come from knowing the right answers. It will come from asking the right questions.