Let’s break it down from the very beginning—no tech speak, no assumptions.
Step 1: Turn on Your Device
All you need is internet access and a device such as computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Step 2: Open an AI Tool
You can use any AI tool by visiting a website or downloading the app from App Store or Google Play. For example, these major players offer web versions and app versions for free when you sign up using an email address.
ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) – Owned by OpenAI
Claude (claude.ai) – Owned by Anthropic
Gemini (gemini.google.com) – Owned by Google
Microsoft Copilot (copilot.microsoft.com) – Owned by Microsoft
Step 3: See an Inviting Welcome Message
Most AI tools live on websites or apps, and they all start the same way: a blank screen and a little blinking cursor. Seriously, that’s it. Common user-friendly welcome messages that invite you to get started look something like this:
“Hi I’m _______. How can I help you today?”
“Welcome to _______. What would you like to do today?”
Step 4: Type Something Simple
Start typing something in. It’s as easy as sending a text message, except you are interacting with a very powerful machine, not a human. In the AI world, the words you type in are called a “prompt.”
def. Prompt [noun, verb]: A prompt is the message you type into an AI platform to get a response—like a question, command, or task.
Three separate prompt examples below:
“What’s a good dinner recipe for chicken and rice?”
“Write a thank you note for a 3rd grade teacher.”
“Explain photosynthesis in simple terms.”
The moment you submit your prompt, AI gets to work.
Step 5: AI Responds Instantly
Within seconds, you will see suggestions, ideas, and answers fill-in underneath your prompt. You can:
· Ask follow-up questions
· Say “make it shorter” or “add more humor”
· Ask it “to be more specific”
· Or type a new request
And, unlike texting a real person—AI will respond right away.
That’s It. You’re Using AI.
You don’t need training. You don’t need special software. You don’t even need to know how it works behind the scenes.
You ask. AI Answers.
Wunderlaken Original Work
FREE AI PROMPT TEMPLATE