Hi, I'm Ash, fellow senior. After a successful career, I postponed retirement to start Empathy, a brand dedicated to helping seniors and solo agers thrive. Ten Minute AI is my way of doing just that — showing you how to use AI with confidence, one simple 10-minute guide at a time.
What is a Prompt?
I remember wondering if I was somehow breaking the computer by typing things wrong. A prompt is simply a question or instruction you type into a text box. That's it. You're just telling the computer what you need, like you would ask a friend for help.
When you write a prompt, the AI reads your words and gives you an answer or a task done. For example, you can ask it to summarize a confusing medical bill, draft a letter to your grandchild, or explain a tricky Medicare form. It's like having a patient assistant who never gets tired of your questions.
New to ChatGPT? Start here — free.
Get my large-print, step-by-step guide: How to Use ChatGPT for the First Time (PDF + short video). Yours free.
Every Prompt Starts with You
You already know how to prompt. When you ask a neighbor, 'What's the best way to clean a cast iron pan?' you're giving a prompt. The only difference is you're typing it instead of speaking. Try starting with 'Explain this like I'm 70' or 'Make this simple for me' – the AI will adjust its answer to be clearer.
For instance, I once typed: 'I keep forgetting my pill times. Make a simple morning and evening checklist for my heart meds.' It gave me a chart I could print and tape to the fridge. That's the power of a good prompt – it turns your need into a useful result.
Common Fears – and Why You're Safe
Many of us worry we'll break something or look foolish. But prompts are forgiving – you can't hurt the computer, and you can always start over. I often write prompts that are just a few words, like 'Recipe for low sodium soup' or 'Tell me a joke about gardening.' The AI never judges you.
Start with something small that matters to you. Maybe ask, 'How do I change the font size on my phone?' or 'Write a thank-you note for a birthday gift.' You'll see how quickly it responds, and you'll gain confidence to try more.
Your First Prompt: Try This Now
Open any AI chat tool (like ChatGPT or Copilot) and type exactly this: 'I'm new to this. Please explain what a prompt is in one short paragraph, using simple words.' Then press Enter. That's it. You've just used a prompt to learn about prompts.
If you're unsure where to start, think of a task you wish were easier – organizing a grocery list, remembering a grandchild's birthday, or understanding a bill. Type that wish as a sentence. You'll be amazed how often the AI gives you something you can actually use.
Ready to go further?
