Someone asked me the other day if I use AI tools on my blog. The short answer is “yes,” but the longer answer qualifies how I use it. I don’t ask AI to write a post. I ask for ideas, outlines, possible quotes, or other connections. Whatever AI gives me, I consider it and then do my own work.
You must approach your prompts with finesse to effectively use an AI tool. Here are some guidelines to help you get better and more usable responses:
- Identify who you are: For example, say, “I am a math teacher,” “I am an author,” “I am an HR manager,” or “I am a Bible teacher.”
- Explain the task you would like assistance with.
- Provide any necessary context for your request.
- Finally, specify the desired response format, such as the number of words or format structure.
Here are a few prompts I have used in an AI tool in the past month or so – not just for blogging but for traveling, menus, and teaching.
I am a blogger who writes devotional, inspirational posts using everyday, ordinary events, objects, and life experiences. Create a writing calendar for January 2025 with a suggested topic, title, scripture passage, an inspirational quote, and a 25-word summary for each day.
I am a budget travel advisor planning a 12-day trip to Paris, London, and Edinburgh. Suggest highly reviewed, mid-priced hotels. Give the links to those hotels. Suggest five must-see sites or day trips for each city. Link to the resources online.
I am a nutritional advisor. Create menus for five days, two meals daily with a total of 1200 calories. Don’t include gluten, dairy, nightshades, smoothies, seafood, or red meat. Rice, oatmeal, gluten-free bread, avocado, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are acceptable foods. Include links to recipes from Eating Well, Very Well Fit, HEB, or Trader Joe’s.
I am a Bible teacher working with a community group in our church of devoted Christians. Create an advent lesson for adults on the theme of Restoration. Include a quote by a theologian or popular Christian author and at least three scripture references.
I have also used other AI tools, such as one that summarizes a YouTube video for you and another for AI art, but I have never created a useful piece of art. I have one AI rule: It must be free!
Is using an AI tool “cheating?” I don’t think so. It’s a tool, and it is here to stay! Can it be used poorly – of course! But can it also be helpful when used ethically? Absolutely!
Have you explored AI tools yet? If you have, how do you use them? What have you found to be most helpful?
