The Secret to Using Generative AI Effectively In 2025

TL;DR – What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds

• To get better genAI results, externalise your internal dialogue. This is key for using generative AI effectively.
• Don’t prompt like it’s 2023—ramble with detail for more effective use.
• Treat genAI as a brainstorming partner, not a search engine. Knowing how you’re using generative AI effectively will make a big difference.

Think GenAI Sucks? You’re Probably Using It Wrong.

Do you secretly (or perhaps openly) think generative AI (genAI) sucks? For a while so did I. But using generative AI effectively can change your perception.

Frankly, the early hype around genAI was painful. Remember when ChatGPT exploded in early 2023, and everyone rushed to cram it into their businesses? Those were rough times. Companies, convinced they could instantly replace human talent, laid off skilled workers only to realise later their shiny new AI toys weren’t up to scratch.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the good news is: genAI is finally useful. But there’s a catch—you have to rethink how to use it.

The Surprising Secret: Externalising Your Inner Dialogue

Here’s the thing: genAI doesn’t thrive on short, neat prompts like traditional Google searches. It needs your messy thoughts. In other words, you need to ramble. Learning how to ramble effectively is a part of using generative AI effectively.

Imagine you’re trying to recall that elusive word, the one that perfectly captures a feeling. In Google, you’d agonise over the perfect keyword combo. But with ChatGPT? Just pour out your thoughts:

“What’s the word for a soft feeling that’s warm, but a bit cold? It’s a bit sad, but not quite… you miss something, but you’re glad you miss it. Like walking home from school on a sunny autumn day, knowing winter’s coming and summer’s gone—but you’re happy it happened.”

ChatGPT will understand you’re reaching for “wistful,” or at least point you to it. This kind of rambling, stream-of-consciousness prompting unlocks genAI’s best results.

Why Rambling Works Better Than You Think

To really see genAI shine, do this experiment:

• Open ChatGPT on your phone.
• Tap the microphone button (the one next to the chat box—not the voice chat mode).
• Ramble freely about whatever you’re looking for. Searching for a TV show? Talk about what you like, dislike, your recent binges, random stuff—yes, really random stuff.
• Let your thoughts flow for a minute or two, then hit send without editing. Let the typos, ums, and randomness stay. This method is part of using generative AI effectively.

You’ll get back a response that’s surprisingly on-point. Even better, it’ll suggest avenues you hadn’t considered. Your initial messy prompt becomes a rich context for further exploration.

Back-and-forth Is Your Friend

Say you want the perfect marketing tagline. Start broad, then iterate:

• Get rough ideas first.
• Narrow down based on your reactions.
• Keep steering the conversation with more detailed feedback. This iterative process is crucial for using generative AI effectively.

“I like the third idea, but make it punchier. Number six feels too formal.”

Crucially, you’re still in charge. The AI provides ideas; you provide the judgement. If it strays, simply say, “Not quite right—it’s for a major clothing brand, not a tech startup. Keep it professional but catchy.” The more specific you are, the better it adapts.

AI Productivity Tips: It’s About Co-discovery, Not Automated Decision-making

Think of genAI as your brainstorming partner, not an answer machine. It’s there to surface ideas, connections, and concepts, but you’re still calling the shots. You’re still the one deciding what’s worth pursuing.

Yes, genAI will sometimes hallucinate or miss the mark. That’s fine—just redirect it. Tell it exactly why it’s off-track. The beauty of genAI is its adaptability, not its perfection. Using generative AI effectively involves understanding its limitations and guiding it accordingly.

The Bigger AI Picture: Companies Have Been Selling It Wrong

If you’re sceptical of genAI, that makes sense. The industry’s been pitching it incorrectly, presenting it as a magical decision-maker. No wonder smart people roll their eyes.

GenAI isn’t a replacement for your brain—it’s a tool to extend it. You might still brainstorm traditionally, browse Google, or take long walks to think. Perfect. Generative AI is just another way to spark those insights faster. Ultimately, success depends on using generative AI effectively.

What do YOU think?

Are you ready to stop treating genAI like a vending machine and start chatting with it like a friend?

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• GenAI in Asia: 5 Steps to Embrace the Future and Mitigate Risks
• AI Revolution: How AI Creates Equal Learning and Job Opportunities
• Where Can Generative AI Be Used to Drive Strategic Growth?
• Tap here to try this approach on the free version of ChatGTP.