Prompting Is Changing — And That’s a Good Thing
Remember when crafting the perfect AI prompt felt like a high-stakes puzzle?
Remember when crafting the perfect AI prompt felt like a high-stakes puzzle?
We’d string together detailed roles, tone requests, formatting instructions, and a mini essay’s worth of context just to get ChatGPT to write a decent blog post. These prompts felt more like code than conversation — and they worked because the models weren’t yet great at nuance.
But that’s changing — fast.
Today’s models, especially GPT-4 and 4o, don’t need long, elaborate instructions to “understand” you. In fact, most of the time, shorter prompts work better — especially if you’re iterating or working within a familiar context.
It’s not that the long prompts were wrong — they were a stepping stone. But now? We’re in a new phase.
From Scripts to Conversations
Instead of scripting AI like a robot, we’re learning to interact with it like a smart collaborator.
That means:
You don’t have to force your way into the “right” prompt.
You can start messy, with a vague idea, a question, or a brain-dump.
You can ask the model to help you find clarity, sort your ideas, or generate new directions.
You can refine together through follow-up prompts.
Prompting has become less like command-and-control, and more like a dialogue — where clarity emerges through interaction, not perfection.
The Rise and Fade of Prompt Engineering
This shift isn’t just personal — it’s industry-wide.
According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, prompt engineering — once the hottest AI job title — is already being phased out. Two years ago, companies were offering six-figure salaries for prompt experts. Now, models are so advanced that the need for a dedicated “AI whisperer” is disappearing.
Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s CMO of AI at Work, said it clearly:
“You don’t have to have the perfect prompt.”
Their global research showed that prompt engineering ranks near the bottom of roles companies are hiring for. Roles like AI trainer, data specialist, and AI ethicist are climbing instead.
Why? Because AI is getting better at understanding intent, asking follow-up questions, and learning in real time. The model doesn’t just wait for a perfect input — it works with you.
But Clarity Still Matters
Here’s the twist: while you don’t need a perfect prompt, you do need clarity — or at least a willingness to find it.
When you’re vague, scattered, or unsure what you’re really asking, the model can only guess. But when you share your intent — even imperfectly — the magic starts.
Not sure what your intention is? That’s okay. Let the AI help you figure it out.
Try starting with:
“I have a bunch of ideas, help me sort them.”
“Here’s a rough brain-dump — what themes do you notice?”
“I’m not sure how to ask this — can you help me get clearer?”
The new skill isn’t writing perfect prompts. It’s being open, curious, and willing to shape the conversation as you go.
✨ TL;DR
Prompting has become more intuitive and conversational.
Long, meta-prompts are no longer required — though they still help for repeatable tasks.
The hottest AI job of 2023 — prompt engineer — is already on the decline.
Clarity matters more than cleverness.
And if you’re not clear yet? Use AI to help you get there.
Next time you find yourself overthinking how to ask the “perfect” question — just start talking. You don’t have to get it right on the first try. You just have to get it started.
Curious how you naturally interact with AI?
If you’ve ever wondered why certain prompting styles feel easier (or harder), it might have something to do with your intuitive tech style.
I created the System Mystic Quiz to help you discover your archetype — and how your unique way of thinking, feeling, and creating shapes your relationship with AI.
👉 Take the quiz here and find out: Are you the Sage, the Visionary, the Navigator, the Synthesizer, or the Feeler?
Your results include a free guide tailored to your strengths — plus tools, prompts, and practices to make AI feel more like an extension of your intuition.
Until next week,
Lisa
the System Mystic