Why speaking works better than writing for AI Prompts

When working with AI, many people automatically think of typing prompts: short commands, questions, or instructions you enter to get a specific answer. But there's a method that is often much more powerful: speaking.

In this article, we explain why dictating prompts usually yields better results than writing them. Especially if you're using AI to support complex tasks like brainstorming, analysing, or advising.

1. More context, less overthinking

When you speak, you think less about the precise wording. As a result, you often automatically provide more context: what you want to achieve, what the problem is, who is involved, and why you are doing something. This extra information helps the AI to better understand your situation and, consequently, to give a better answer.

For example:

• Typed: "Write an email about the new product."
• Spoken: "I want to send an email to customers about our new product. It's an energy-saving heat pump, aimed at installers in the region. The tone should be professional, but not too technical, so that commercial people also understand it."

You can immediately see: spoken prompts are often richer and more useful.

2. You explain things more spontaneously and naturally

When speaking, you often use examples, metaphors, and everyday language. This helps the AI understand the intent behind your question. Moreover, you often explain it as you would to a colleague – precisely what you want from an AI assistant.

Spoken language is more human and less "contrived", and that makes prompts more powerful.

3. You work faster and more intuitively

A big advantage of speech is speed. You can say in 30 seconds what would otherwise take you 2 minutes to type. Especially if you're on the go, or just want to quickly try something out, speaking is the ideal form.

For example, if you use a tool like ChatGPT with voice input, you can:

• Quickly explain something and get immediate feedback.
• Organise ideas aloud.
• Brainstorm with AI in real-time almost as if you were talking to a colleague.

Practical tip: use voice when you get stuck

Are you stuck on a prompt or not getting the right answer? Speak your question aloud. Explain it as you would to a colleague or client. There's a good chance that your answer will then be much more accurate.

Conclusion

AI works better when you explain what you need more clearly. And for that, speech is a powerful tool. Not only because it's faster, but mainly because you automatically provide more context and nuance.

So the next time you use an AI: say it aloud. You'll notice that it works.

• Writing AI prompts