# Give Clear Instructions

The AI can only use what it can see. Most disappointing results come from a request that left out the result, the material, or the limits. A few habits fix almost all of them.

## Say the result, not only the first step

Describe what "done" looks like: the output, its format and where it goes.

| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| "Look at these invoices" | "Check each invoice in the attached folder against the price list and give me a table of the ones that don't match, with the difference" |
| "Write something about the meeting" | "Write a one-page summary of the decisions and owners from meeting-notes.docx. Save it as summary.md in the workspace" |

## Point at the material

Name the exact file, folder, page or record. Better still, put it in front of the AI:

- **Files and folders**: attach them, or choose the folder as the workspace. See [Attachments, Images, Folders and Long Text](https://docs.micromeet.ai/chat/attachments.md).
- **Web pages**: open the page in a tab first, or give the AI its address
- **Long text**: paste it. A long paste becomes a **Pasted text** block, and the AI still receives all of it.

## Say what it must not do

Limits keep the AI on track and spare you approval cards for things you never wanted:

- "Do not change any data, only report."
- "Only look at records from this month."
- "Ask me before sending anything outside the company."

## Give it a way to check its work

When there is a way to tell right from wrong, say it. The AI uses it to verify before it reports back:

- "The totals must match the summary row on the last sheet."
- "Every order number in the output must exist in the input file."
- "Open the page after you save and confirm the new value shows."

## Break up big jobs, or let it plan first

For a long or risky job, ask for the plan before the work:

```text
Before you change anything, list the steps you will take and what each one
touches. Wait for my OK.
```

Then approve, adjust, or ask it to start with one item so you can check the result.

## Steer as it goes

You do not have to get everything right up front. While the AI works you can add instructions, correct it, or click **Stop** and take over. See [Steering, Stopping and Taking Back](https://docs.micromeet.ai/chat/steering.md).

## When you repeat yourself, make a skill

If you find yourself typing the same long instructions again, the job deserves a skill. Do it once together with the AI, then ask "Turn what we just did into a skill". See [Build Your First Skill](https://docs.micromeet.ai/skills/first-skill.md).