Everyday productivity
Ask your assistant for the answer first
You will have a saved answer-first instruction and a way to ask for more detail without the padding.
Before you start
- An AI assistant, free plan is fine
- A place to save one instruction
Why the answer should come first
Long replies bury the useful part. If you have trouble focusing, are short of time or are reading on a phone, you may read three paragraphs of background before you reach what you needed.
An answer-first rule fixes this in one line. It also helps anyone who finds long blocks of text tiring.
Step 1: Write the instruction
From now on, start every reply with the answer or the next action in one or two sentences. Then give a short list of the key points. Add background only if I ask for it. Keep sentences short. If you are unsure, say so in the first line.
Paste it at the start of a chat, or into your assistant’s saved instructions if it has them. Keep a copy in your notes.
Step 2: Ask for more when you want it
- “Explain that in more detail.”
- “Why is that the best choice?”
- “Show me the steps one at a time.”
Asking for detail on request keeps you in control of how much you read.
Step 3: Test it
- Ask a question you already know the answer to.
- Check the first line gives the answer.
- If it still rambles, add one more rule, such as a limit of five bullets.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding so many rules that replies become strange
- Treating a short answer as a checked answer
- Forgetting to paste the rule into new chats
Final checklist
- I saved the answer-first instruction
- I tested it on a question I could check
- I know how to ask for more detail