What we mean by “audience”

As an AI trainer, you might think it’s all about fact-checking, editing for accuracy, and testing limits with complex questions. While these tasks are important, you should also be considering relevance, tone, and readability every single time.  

For every prompt and response, put yourself in the potential user’s shoes and think about: 

• Background knowledge: Should the content be technical or easy enough for a kindergartener to understand? Which aspects might need to be explained more and which ones would be common knowledge?
  
  
  

• Goals or context: Is the prompt looking for research or deep learning? Does the user want to debate a topic or are they simply curious?
  
  
  

• Emotional tone: Is the prompt urgent and asking for conciseness? Should the response be formal, light, or empathetic?

The best response isn’t always the one with the most detail;t’s the one that gives the right detail the right way for the person asking.

Train your brain: Choose the best response

Prompt: “Can you compare classical and operant conditioning? I have an exam in one hour and I forgot the answer.”

Option A:

“Classical conditioning involves learning through association (Pavlov's dogs), while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences (rewards/punishments), as demonstrated by Skinner. Classical focuses on involuntary responses; operant targets voluntary behavior.”

Option B:

“Let’s say your phone buzzes. You feel excited — that’s classical conditioning: your brain pairs the sound with the reward of social interaction. But if you start using your phone more often because you get likes on a post, that’s operant conditioning: your behavior is shaped by rewards.”

Answer: If you chose Option A—you’re right! The user asked for very specific information (and they need it quickly). Option A incorporates academic terms and famous names you’d likely find on an exam in a concise paragraph. 

Common user types (and what they’re looking for)

As an AI Trainer, it's useful to recognize the different "personas" users might have. Here are a few common ones to use as a quick cheat sheet, but keep in mind that real AI users are often more complex than this. 

The explainer seeker:

• Often a student, beginner, or non-expert

• Wants simple, quick answers

• May appreciate analogies or step-by-step explanations

The professional:

• Likely knows the basics, can handle more technical language

• Needs precision, efficiency, and relevance

• Doesn’t want fluff or over-explaining
  
  
  

The critic or skeptic:

• May be testing AI for flaws

• Values nuance and transparency

• Needs accurate sourcing or admissions of uncertainty

The curious casual:

• Just exploring or passing time

• Enjoys humor, creativity, and engaging style

• May ask playful or open-ended questions

Train your brain: Which type of user might this be?

1. Prompt: Write me a story about the end of the world, but make it set in 1920s San Francisco. Also, make sure the main character’s name is Lily. 

Answer: Easy! This is most likely a curious casual—they’re looking for creative entertainment. 

2. Prompt: Explain the difference between Ionosolv and Organosolv? 

Answer: This one is a bit more tricky! This might be an explainer seeker looking for a simple explanation of two technical concepts or it might be a professional, based on the scientific terms. Realistically, a chemical scientist would likely know the difference between these terms, so this is more likely an explainer seeker. 

Decoding the prompt and looking for clues

You don’t always need a long series of prompts and responses to get a sense of who the user is or what they want. Small details in the prompt can reveal the audience, their goals, and the tone they’re expecting. The key is learning to read between the lines.

Vocabulary choice

The words people use can hint at their background. Formal language like “analyze,” “evaluate,” or “summarize” often signals a professional, academic, or technical audience. More casual wording, like “what’s going on with…” or “can you break this down?” usually comes from non-experts, learners, or general users looking for clarity.

Phrasing style

If a prompt starts with “Can you explain…” or “What does it mean when…”, that’s a clear sign the user is curious or learning. They’re not looking for jargon or assumptions—they’re looking for clear, step-by-step help. Make sure the response matches their tone by being direct, approachable, and supportive.

Stated needs

Sometimes users are explicit about what they want. Phrases like “for my presentation,” “in simple terms,” or “for a client report” provide immediate guidance on the tone, depth, and structure your response should take. 

Context and conversation

Even if the prompt doesn’t say much, context can fill in the gaps. Look at how the question is worded. Is it technically precise, or more casual and broad? That’s your first clue about the user’s background. 

Also consider previous messages in the conversation—do they show familiarity with the topic, or do they suggest someone learning as they go?

Train your brain: Reading between the lines

Try answering these questions to test your understanding of how to decode a prompt.

1. Prompt: Can you break down the concept of neural networks in simple terms? I'm working on a school project.

What tone and depth should the response take?
a) Formal, technical, and highly detailed
b) Light, conversational, and beginner-friendly
c) Professional with academic citations

Correct answer: B

Why: The user explicitly asks for a simple explanation and mentions a school project, signaling a non-expert audience looking for clarity, not complexity.

2. Prompt: Please summarize the main points of the research paper attached. I need this for a client presentation.

Which of the following should guide your response?
a) Keep it informal and exploratory
b) Focus on clarity, structure, and professionalism
c) Include speculative opinions and tangents

Correct answer: B
Why: A client-facing context calls for a polished, concise summary that communicates key insights clearly and professionally.

3. Prompt: Can you explain overfitting like I’m five?

What response strategy is best here?
a) Use analogies, avoid jargon, and keep it playful
b) Include detailed math and statistical formulas
c) Quote academic sources for accuracy

Correct answer: A

Why: “Like I’m five” is a strong cue to simplify the concept drastically, using everyday language and fun, relatable comparisons.