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    16 Apr 2026

    🚀 Turn the Tables: Let the AI Interview YOU

    The secret to a 'Power Prompt' isn't being a better writer -- it's being a better interviewee.

    Most journalists give the AI a set of vague-ish instructions and hope for the best. To get truly robust research, you should force the AI to interrogate your knowledge first. This exposes your blind spots and ensures the AI understands some of the finer nuances of your story before it tries to help you.

    💡 The "Interview Me" Master Prompt

    (Copy/paste this to start your next research session):

    "I am working on a story about [Topic/Event]. You are a senior investigative editor. Do not provide any analysis or drafts yet. Instead, I want you to interview me. Ask me 6-8 targeted questions that will help you understand my specific angle, the evidence I already have, and the legal or constitutional nuances I want to explore. Only once I have answered your questions should we begin the research phase."

    🇿🇦 Example: The Malema Sentencing

    If you are covering today's news of Julius Malema being sentenced to 5 years (for the 2018 firearm incident), don't just ask for a summary. Use the prompt above, and the AI will "interview" you with questions like:

    1️⃣ The "Fine" Distinction: Are we looking into whether the lack of an option of a fine is the specific trigger for Section 47 of the Constitution?

    2️⃣ The Political Impact: Do you want to focus on his eligibility for the 2029 elections or the immediate impact on his seat in Parliament?

    3️⃣ Regional Precedents: Should I look for other firearms cases in the Eastern Cape to see if this sentence is an outlier?

    4️⃣ The Bodyguard Factor: Do you have the specific details on why his bodyguard was acquitted, and how that complicates the case against Malema?

    5️⃣ The Appeal Strategy: Are we analysing the likelihood of success at the Supreme Court of Appeal based on what happened today?

    🚀 Why this works:
    By letting the AI interview you, it forces you to clarify your thoughts and ensures the resulting research roadmap is 100% tailored to your specific investigation.