Tech Tips
AI Usage – Productivity
Practical ways to use AI tools more effectively for drafting, structuring, and thinking through work—without replacing judgment.
AI works better with CONTEXT, not long text.
Instead of pasting everything, try:
• Who you are (CA / practitioner)
• What you want (summary / checklist / reply)
• Output format (points / table)
Short prompts → clearer answers.
Don’t just ask for answers. Ask for *structured disagreement.*
Use:
“Give me 2 alternative approaches. For each, list: assumptions, risks, edge cases, and when it will fail.”
Optional add-on (power move):
“Now critique the strongest option.”
Why this matters:
• Forces the model to expose hidden assumptions
• Surfaces implementation risks before you commit
• Reveals edge cases (where most professional errors happen)
• Simulates internal review without group bias
Most AI errors don’t come from wrong answers.
They come from unchallenged assumptions.
Single output = efficiency.
Structured alternatives + critique = control.
Never ask AI to “summarise this email” blindly.
Instead say:
“Summarise and highlight ONLY items requiring action or reply.”
Why this matters:
• Prevents missing obligations
• Filters noise
• Saves review time
AI should prioritise work, not just compress text.
Use AI as a drafting assistant, not a data processor.
Good uses:
• Rewriting emails professionally
• Summarising notifications
• Creating checklists
• Explaining unfamiliar concepts
Avoid uploading:
• Client data
• Returns
• Working papers
AI can assist speed.
Judgment and data responsibility stay with you.
AI responds better to context than keywords.
Instead of:
“Draft a reply”
Try:
“Draft a polite reply declining a deadline extension,
in a professional tone.”
Clear intent → usable output.
AI tools answer confidently — accuracy is not guaranteed.
Before relying on output:
• Recheck section numbers & limits
• Verify dates, thresholds, applicability
• Use it as a draft, not a final view
Treat AI as an assistant, not an associate.
Judgement remains yours.
