How I Learned to Talk to AI: Practical Lessons from Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT

In today’s fast-changing digital world, learning how to work alongside artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming essential—especially for business professionals. As companies embrace digital transformation, upskilling in areas like AI is no longer optional; it’s a competitive edge.

As an MBA student at Lincoln University passionate about digital innovation, I recently completed Vanderbilt University’s Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT course on Coursera—and it transformed the way I work, think, and create.

This course introduced me to practical patterns that anyone can use to get better results from AI tools like ChatGPT.

One key technique that piqued my interest was the Question Refinement Pattern, which helped me turn vague prompts into clear, focused questions. For example, when preparing a marketing presentation, I initially asked ChatGPT, “How can I make this sound better?” That question was too broad.

By applying the refinement pattern, I rephrased it to: “Can you rewrite this paragraph to sound more persuasive to a marketing-savvy audience while keeping the tone professional?” The improved question led to a much more tailored and effective response.

Another valuable strategy was the Cognitive Verifier Pattern, which taught me to check the logic and consistency of AI-generated responses. This was especially useful when I was drafting a research outline for one of my MBA courses. I asked ChatGPT to critique its own suggestions and found gaps in reasoning that I might have otherwise missed.

The Audience Persona Pattern was especially powerful in helping me tailor content for different audiences —whether writing an academic paper, pitching to potential investors, or crafting social media content. One memorable moment was using ChatGPT to simulate a “graduation committee” while rehearsing for my capstone project presentation.  It asked challenging follow-up questions that pushed me to refine my argument and delivery.

In addition, I found the Outline Expansion Pattern especially useful for breaking down complex ideas into structured, manageable sections. I also used the Semantic Filter and Fact Checklist Patterns to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and relevance of AI-generated responses. 

And here's the best part: this course is free if you apply for financial aid. That’s how I accessed it—and the practical skills I gained have been priceless.

AI is already reshaping the way we live and work. And learning how to talk to it is one of the smartest investments we can make in ourselves.