Follow-ups and context
Use follow-up questions to improve answers, learn the most useful follow-ups, and understand how chatbots use context.
A chat is a conversation. Follow-up questions make the answers better. One of the best things about chatbots is that you can have a conversation. If the first answer isn't quite right, you don't need to start again. Just ask a follow up. Ask a question. Here's a clear answer, but maybe a bit hard to picture. So follow up. Can you explain it with an example about food? Much better. Then you can ask for practice questions, and check your own understanding.
Useful follow-ups
Explain it more simply. Give me an example. Make it shorter, in three sentences. And, where can I check this?
New word: Context
A chatbot uses the earlier messages in your chat as context. That's how it knows what you mean by it, or that. When you change to a completely different topic, start a new chat, so the old messages don't confuse it.
Quick check
Quick check. The answer is too hard to understand. What's the best next step? Ask a follow up. Can you explain it more simply, with an example? Options: Ask it to explain more simply; Give up; Type in capitals; Switch off your phone.
Recap
Follow up to improve the answers. Ask for something simpler, an example, a shorter answer, or sources. The chat history is the context. And for a new topic, start a new chat.
Key points
- If the first answer isn't right, ask a follow-up instead of starting again.
- Useful follow-ups: explain it more simply, give an example, make it shorter, and where can I check this?
- The chatbot uses earlier messages in the chat as context.
- Start a new chat when you change to a different topic.
Try it: Pick the best follow-up
Choose the most helpful thing to say next.