Beyond Commands: Unleashing Human Potential in AI Interactions

Can you imagine the difference between the output from two prompts?

Version A: Can you create an IG copy on behalf of the brand? Be more light-hearted and a bit playful, while emphasizing how [product] enables you to enjoy genuine small and big moments of life.

Optimized Version B: Can you create an IG copy based on the image given on behalf of the brand? [link] Be more light-hearted and a bit playful, while emphasizing how [product] enables you to enjoy genuine small and big moments of life. Highlight the tactile softness and breathability of the [product] that make everyday activities, from morning coffee rituals to spontaneous road trips with friends, more enjoyable and comfortable. The objective is to build an emotional connection with the target and deliver the message that even sustainable [product] can create an enjoyable and comfortable experience, enhancing various activities in life.

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Above is one scenario that our brilliant team used in an internal training deck. In recent months, I've noticed a surge in client inquiries about how to craft better prompts for AI. This trend aligns with our internal efforts, as we also encourage our colleagues to experiment on our secure internal platform, ensuring data security while staying updated with training and sharing sessions. As we move toward a future dominated by AI, the ability to prompt effectively will be crucial.

While many resources and guides offer excellent tips on crafting effective AI prompts—such as being clear and specific, providing context, and using constraints—these are just the starting points. The true mastery of prompting goes beyond these basics and taps into our uniquely human qualities.

Imagine directing your cognitive resources effectively to identify opportunities and assess risks, much like a seasoned strategist spotting a moment to shine. Or think about crafting compelling narratives that convey complex ideas through storytelling, where every word is a brushstroke painting a vivid picture. For example, when crafting a story, consider techniques like creating conflict, disrupting the norm, and delaying expectations. What if your prompts include a challenge or obstacle based on your understanding of the target audience?

As we dive deeper, consider the role of social intelligence—our ability to understand and manage social dynamics with empathy and cultural insight. This skill is crucial in the modern workplace, enabling deeper connections with teams and customers alike. Let's not forget the importance of playfulness. Bringing a sense of humor and light-heartedness to our interactions makes them more engaging and relatable.

What I mentioned above are actually a suite of cognitive and emotional skills that often categorized as "high concept" and "high touch."

Embracing Human Qualities for AI Success

Moving beyond the basics of prompting, we enter a realm where human qualities enrich our interactions with AI. This is where embodied intelligence—our unique physical presence and sensory experiences—comes into play. Nick Chatrath’s concept of "embodied intelligence" emphasizes how our bodily awareness and sensory perceptions provide an edge over machines. This idea, explored in his book, The Threshold: Leading in the Age of AI, resonated deeply with me during my mindfulness-based coaching practice. I began to see the potential of integrating this concept into AI interactions.

Embodied intelligence helps us connect with ourselves, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and innate connection. If the output of AI interactions is for us to communicate (often that’s the case in our industry), we can help AI “put itself in our shoes.” To truly make these applications impactful, we need to enhance bodily awareness, which not only improves physical health but also primes the mind for deeper introspection.

As we move towards a future where collaboration with machines is inevitable, the differentiation in our capabilities lies in how we infuse our prompts with insight, emotion, intuition, and the innate connection we have with others. By combining these human qualities, we can create more powerful and meaningful interactions with AI.

Additionally, view each interaction with AI as an opportunity for growth, both for the machine and yourself.

These are just my personal opinions, but I welcome more discussions and insights to make our interactions with AI even more interesting.