9 AI Prompts for Public Affairs Professionals Who Want Better Thinking, Not Just Faster Drafting
Discover 9 practical AI prompts for public affairs professionals to improve policy messaging, pressure-test arguments, anticipate objections, and communicate more clearly with EU stakeholders.
“What is the single weakest sentence in this briefing, and how would you fix it?”
This is a prompt I would probably never have come up with myself.
And yet, it is exactly the kind of question that makes AI useful for public affairs work.
Not because it writes the briefing for you.
But because it helps you test the thinking behind it.
A lot of AI use in public affairs still focuses on speed: summarise this, draft that, turn this into an email. Useful, yes. But not the whole story.
The real value is when AI helps you pressure-test your message before someone else does.
A policymaker.
A journalist.
A Commission official.
A sceptical attaché.
A client.
A colleague in the meeting who spots the weak point before you do.
So here are 9 AI prompts for public affairs professionals who want better thinking, not just faster drafting:
- Rewrite this message so it would survive a hostile question from an MEP in the relevant EP committee.
- List the 5 strongest objections a Commission desk officer at [DG] would raise to this proposal, then tighten the argument.
- Translate this policy language into something a national journalist would not misinterpret.
- What is the single weakest sentence in this briefing, and how would you fix it?
- Adapt this message for a sceptical Permanent Representation official who is short on time.
- Strip this text of buzzwords and replace them with concrete, defensible claims.
- Assume the audience is politically neutral but institutionally risk-averse, rewrite accordingly.
- What is the hidden assumption in this argument that could be challenged in a meeting?
- Reduce this to a 30-second spoken answer that sounds credible and not rehearsed.
The point is not to let AI do your public affairs work for you.
The point is to use it as a sparring partner.
To make your arguments clearer.
To make your messages harder to misread.
To find the sentence that sounds fine until someone challenges it.
To prepare for the question you hope no one asks.
That is where AI becomes genuinely useful.
Not as a shortcut around expertise.
But as a tool that helps you use your expertise better.
Stop Using AI for Answers. Start Using It for Better Questions
Discover why the real power of AI isn’t in providing answers, but in helping you ask better questions, uncover blind spots, and explore alternative perspectives for smarter decision-making.
Picasso once said: "Computers are useless, they can only give you answers."
That was true in his time, and still true today if you only use AI as a search ("answer") engine.
The real value is in the questions we ask:
- see blind spots in our reasoning ("Identify hidden biases or blind spots in my plan.)
- test assumptions we didn’t know we had ("Highlight my explicit or implicit assumptions.")
- explore alternative framings of the same problem ("How can this problem be viewed from multiple angles? How would a manager, a psychologist, a physicist, and musician look at it?") Or take these for example:
- Instead of asking “What’s the EU’s position on AI regulation?” try “What unintended consequences could the EU AI Act have for small startups?”
- Instead of “Summarize this report,” try “What’s missing from this report that an NGO focusing on circular economy could ask?”
- Instead of “Write a press release,” try “What would make this story credible to a skeptical journalist?”
AI doesn’t (and shouldn't) replace thinking. Just be sure to ask it the right way.
➡️ looking for AI workshops for your team? Influence Builders has trained 1500+ corporate and government affairs teams, and we'll be glad to work with you.
AI on LinkedIn: Hype, Hysteria, or Honest Insight?
A wry look at the LinkedIn AI conversation: from overhyped promises to doomsday takes, existential musings, and magical shortcuts. Where does reality meet rhetoric?
I get the impression that each time someone talks about AI on Linkedin, it's either:
- "oh this is such a hype/BS that only grifters talk about it"
- "you can go sit on a beach, it'll do everything for/instead of you"
- "whatever it churns out, it's a piece of cr*p that should be ridiculed"
- "here is some existential AI philosophy that I just invented"
- "a magic shortcut to hack your way to the top of the newsfeed"
- "it's the end of [name topic] and let's despair OR here is what to do about it"
- "this is revolutionary and the best of all worlds is about to come"
(I am guilty as charged of some of the above, I readily admit.)
Did I miss anything else?
p.s.: and the opportunistic plug, as the plus one: check out Influence Builders
Advocacy, Science Communication, and AI: Honoured to Exchange Ideas with Brilliant Researchers
Ideas on advocacy, science communication, and AI.
Grateful for the opportunity to share ideas on advocacy, science communication, and AI with such a distinguished group of researchers (and learn from Stefan!) 🔬
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
While AI Giants Battle, the EU Focuses on Bottle Caps. Is Europe Missing the AI Revolution?
Europe needs its own AI champion.
Europe needs its own AI champion. As we've seen with DeepSeek's training methodology, it can be done smartly (and hopefully, ethically).
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Master EU Policies in Minutes: Our New Concise Briefings on 18 Key Areas
Today we (at EU Training) have released beautifully designed, concise summary briefings on 18 European Union policies.
Today we (at EU Training) have released beautifully designed, concise summary briefings on 18 European Union policies (agriculture, social, competition, internal market, enlargement, migration, environment etc.).
Each briefing has a historical overview, details on the milestones and key programs, funding, decision-making procedures, and statistical figures related to the policy in question.
Below is the one on #digital as an example (feel free to share).
This will be a paid product, but we'll price it low to make it accessible to all who wish to quickly get up to speed on the most important EU issues, from EPSO candidates to job seekers, lobbyists, diplomats, and others.
Comments welcome ✌️🇪🇺
p.s.: special shout-out to Sonia Gongu for the research and Huyen Dinh for the design
UPDATE: direct link: https://lnkd.in/eJRmMyqY
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Automate Your News Updates with ChatGPT ‘Tasks’: Effortless EU Policy Briefings & More
ChatGPT recently released a new feature called 'Tasks', ie you can schedule a task to be done in the future, or regularly.
ChatGPT recently released a new feature called 'Tasks', ie you can schedule a task to be done in the future, or regularly. A nice use case is generating daily newsletters (see my example: daily general EU news I set up with a single prompt). You can configure it for your preferred format e.g. "5 key points and no fluff" (Filip loves simple bullet points, so he's having a field day).
It can be on general EU affairs, US-Greenland relations, 'updates related to the pharma sector from a legislative perspective', 'job vacancies in Brussels for sustainable transport experts', or anything else.
With some geekery, it can be automatically sent out as proper email newsletters, Teams/Slack updates, or similar formats. Worth experimenting with a detailed prompt and see how well it performs.
p.s.: if you want to learn *how* to do it, ask Influence Builders. If you prefer it *be done* for your association, company, or NGO, ask The Right Street.
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
The Soul’s Algorithm: Understanding Human Nature (Conversations with a Psychiatrist)
English summary of the latest episode of András' Hungarian podcast, 'Lélek Algoritmus – Ilyen az ember (avagy beszélgetések egy pszichiáterrel)' – 'The Soul’s Algorithm: The Human Condition (Conversations with a Psychiatrist).
English summary of the latest episode of András' Hungarian podcast, 'Lélek Algoritmus – Ilyen az ember (avagy beszélgetések egy pszichiáterrel)' – 'The Soul’s Algorithm: The Human Condition (Conversations with a Psychiatrist).
Technology moves fast, and as artificial intelligence (AI) advances, we must ask: where do we let machines take over, and where do we insist on human presence? This was central to my discussion with Dr. Vasari Anna, a psychiatrist with 45 years of experience. We talked about self-diagnosis, how psychological jargon seeps into everyday speech, and the need for real human connection.
The dangers of self-diagnosis and internet-induced anxiety
One of the biggest concerns is how easily people misinterpret their own symptoms after searching online. With limitless information available, it’s tempting to find explanations for shifts in mood or behaviour. The problem is, the internet provides information without nuance.
Dr. Vasari described how patients arrive convinced they have a psychological disorder simply because an article’s description sounds familiar. Two key issues arise here:
- Lack of context – A list of symptoms without professional evaluation can lead to exaggerated concerns.
- Psychological labels becoming casual speech – Terms like ‘narcissist’ or ‘borderline’ are used loosely, often missing their real meaning.
While mental health awareness is important, over-identification can be harmful. Dr. Vasari pointed out that many people exhibit traits of various conditions, but that doesn’t mean they fit the diagnosis. If in doubt, see a professional instead of relying on ‘Dr. Google.’
The burden of overthinking: do we complicate life unnecessarily?
Another strong theme was modern society’s obsession with self-analysis. We are encouraged to examine every feeling, reflect on every mistake, and constantly ‘work on ourselves.’ But where does it lead?
Dr. Vasari posed a simple but revealing question: If you’ve spent years working on yourself, have you actually moved forward? Many people spiral into endless self-exploration, searching for problems that may not even exist.
She suggested that life’s challenges are often simpler than we assume—and so are their solutions. Instead of over-examining every thought and emotion, sometimes the best response is to step back and let things settle.
Human connection: why small interactions matter
We are social beings. A passing smile, a brief chat at the checkout, or a shared moment with a stranger—these small gestures matter more than we realise. Yet technology is increasingly interfering with them.
It’s common to see couples at dinner staring at their phones instead of each other, or parents distracted by screens while their children seek their attention.
Dr. Vasari described a painful example: a mother holding her child’s hand while crossing the street, fully absorbed in her phone. The child looks up, seeking connection, but gets nothing.
This raises a serious question: Are we living our lives, or just scrolling through them?
AI as a stand-in for human interaction: helpful or harmful?
AI-powered chatbots can now mimic human conversation with impressive accuracy. In some cases, people can’t even tell whether they’re speaking to a machine. But can AI truly replace human interaction, or does it create a false sense of connection?
There are situations where AI has value. Dr. Vasari acknowledged that in medical diagnostics—where emotions should not cloud judgment—AI could improve accuracy. Machines don’t suffer from biases or attachments, which can be an advantage.
In therapy, however, the story is different. She recalled a patient who, years after their sessions ended, told her that a single sentence she had said had changed their life. That kind of intuition and connection is something AI simply cannot replicate.
Can AI offer emotional support?
Dr. Vasari admitted that in crisis situations, AI might serve as a temporary lifeline. If someone is in distress at night with no human support available, an AI conversation could help. In extreme cases, it might even save lives. However, she was clear that AI should never be a substitute for real therapy.
The key issue is authenticity. AI can mimic empathy, but it doesn’t feel it. A therapist doesn’t just offer advice—they pick up on tone, body language, and shifts in emotion in real time. A machine, no matter how sophisticated, cannot do this.
Finding balance: where AI belongs—and where it doesn’t
Our conversation left us with a key question: Where is AI useful, and where must we draw the line?
Where AI might help:
- Medical diagnostics (where objectivity is crucial)
- Crisis helplines (as an immediate, temporary tool)
- Handling repetitive admin tasks
Where AI should not replace humans:
- Therapy and emotional support
- Personal relationships and social bonds
- Creative and intuitive decision-making
AI should complement human life, not replace what makes us human. As technology advances, we must ensure that real human connection remains at the centre.
The takeaway: being present in a distracted world
The strongest insight from our discussion? Presence. Whether resisting the urge to self-diagnose, avoiding endless self-analysis, or simply putting down our phones to engage with those around us, the message is clear: we must actively choose to be present.
Technology, including AI, can be a great tool—but it should never take the place of real relationships. As we move further into a digital world, let’s hold onto what truly defines us: our ability to connect, to empathise, and to be in the moment.
Exclusive Preview: 26 Pages from The Ultimate EU Handbook 📚✨
Excited to share 26 sample pages from the total 516 pages of our upcoming "The Ultimate EU Handbook" with Sonia Gongu.
Excited to share 26 sample pages from the total 516 pages of our upcoming "The Ultimate EU Handbook" with Sonia Gongu.
If you're a diplomat, civil servant, EU studies student or EPSO candidate, or you're dealing with European Union matters, this book is for you.
Launch party invitations are coming soon 📚
Until then, feel free to share these pages with friends & colleagues
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Science Communication Beyond Tomorrow
Excited to be speaking at the European Commission Joint Research Center (JRC) event in Brussels.
Excited to be speaking at the European Commission Joint Research Center (JRC) event in Brussels "Science communication beyond tomorrow" along with Jacques Foul, focusing on the mindset and practical use of AI for #scicomm
Registration is open but places are limited: https://lnkd.in/eYTFX8xV
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Why Ignoring AI in Brussels Lobbying Is Like Using Fax Machines Today
Why do so many lobbyists in Brussels act like learning about or integrating AI into their *daily* work is optional..?
Why do so many lobbyists in Brussels act like learning about or integrating AI into their *daily* work is optional..?
You’re reading 100-page proposals, drafting position papers, and trying to track amendments manually—and still saying, “AI isn’t for me.”
Really..?
It’s like refusing email because fax machines still work. AI isn’t about replacing your expertise. It's not going to make you superficial, or lazy. It’s about 100x your effectiveness. Getting faster insights, automating the easy-but-time-consuming work, and letting you focus on building relationships and shaping the debate.
What’s stopping you? Fear? Habit? Cynicism? Your boss?
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
AI in Lobbying: Adapt or Fall Behind
Why do so many lobbyists in Brussels act like learning about or integrating AI into their *daily* work is optional..?
Why do so many lobbyists in Brussels act like learning about or integrating AI into their *daily* work is optional..?
You’re reading 100-page proposals, drafting position papers, and trying to track amendments manually, and still saying, “AI isn’t for me.”
Really..?
It’s like refusing email because fax machines still work. AI isn’t about replacing your expertise. It's not going to make you superficial, or lazy. It’s about 100x your effectiveness. Getting faster insights, automating the easy-but-time-consuming work, and letting you focus on building relationships and shaping the debate.
What’s stopping you? Fear? Habit? Cynicism? Your boss?
Featured articles
and Insights
This compilation takes us through the history of the first #EPSO candidates, showcasing their journey and achievements from the very beginning to the present day—and even looking ahead.
A compilation of the first #EPSO candidates throughout history, until today and beyond.
(Have you played with ChatGPT-4o's new image capabilities? Pretty impressive.)
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Discover the inspiring story behind The Ultimate EU Handbook, a book born from the unexpected connection of a chance pitch and years of creative collaboration.
20 years ago, John Harper said 'yes' to an unknown person's unsolicited book pitch, which set of a chain of positive events. Yesterday, another book came to be as a result of two years' intense work and creativity of Sonia Gongu, Martin Tomov, Ljiljana Pavkov... and 'The Ultimate EU Handbook' was born.
Special thanks to Maryana Panyevina, Klym Ahrykov and David Meszaros for your support to make the launch event at Ambiorix Center & Podcast Studio special.
🇪🇺🙏📚
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
What began as a discussion about burnout quickly turned into an exploration of something deeper. In my conversation with Dr. Vasadi Anna, a psychiatrist with decades of experience, it became clear that burnout isn’t just about long hours or stress—it’s rooted in expectations, upbringing, and the invisible pressures we internalize from an early age.
English summary of the latest episode of András' Hungarian podcast, 'Lélek Algoritmus – Ilyen az ember (avagy beszélgetések egy pszichiáterrel)' – 'The Soul’s Algorithm: The Human Condition (Conversations with a Psychiatrist).
What began as a discussion about burnout quickly turned into an exploration of something deeper. In my conversation with Dr. Vasadi Anna, a psychiatrist with decades of experience, it became clear that burnout isn’t just about long hours or stress—it’s rooted in expectations, upbringing, and the invisible pressures we internalize from an early age.
Burnout: More Than Just Exhaustion
Burnout gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? Many assume it’s just extreme fatigue, but as Anna pointed out, it’s something deeper. Burnout drains you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. It’s not the kind of tiredness that a weekend off can fix.
A key distinction Anna made: while depression can affect every part of life, burnout is usually tied to work. But it doesn’t stay there. It spreads—first to colleagues, then to family, then to an overall sense of disillusionment.
The Perfectionist’s Trap
Burnout isn’t just about overworking—it’s about overworking with the wrong mindset. People who push themselves too hard, who never feel their efforts are enough, who equate self-worth with productivity—these are the most at risk.
A common misconception: If I love my work, I can’t burn out. But passion doesn’t shield you. In fact, it often makes things worse. Overcommitting, ignoring personal limits, and relying on caffeine or alcohol to keep up are all red flags.
The Long Shadow of Childhood Expectations
Why do some people burn out while others keep their balance? Often, it starts in childhood.
Many of us grow up believing that our worth is tied to achievement. If we didn’t excel, love and approval felt conditional. Some parents—often unknowingly—reinforce this by setting impossibly high standards or withholding affection when a child falls short. Over time, this creates a need for external validation, making burnout almost inevitable.
Take elite athletes. Their entire identity is wrapped up in performance. When they lose, it’s not just a setback—it feels like a loss of personal value. The same happens in workplaces. A high achiever who misses a promotion doesn’t just feel professional disappointment—they feel like they have failed as a person.
Midlife Crisis: Burnout of the Soul
This naturally led us to midlife crisis, which, in many ways, is burnout playing out on a larger scale.
Both stem from the same root: spending years chasing external markers of success without stopping to ask, Is this what I actually want?
The midlife crisis tends to hit in the 40s or early 50s, often when several pressures collide:
- Aging Parents: The growing responsibility of caring for elderly parents forces many to confront their own mortality.
- Teenage Children: At the same time, kids are becoming more independent, adding another layer of emotional complexity.
- Career Pressures: By midlife, most people have built careers, but many start questioning if they’re on the right path.
It’s a perfect storm of obligations, internal and external, that makes people reevaluate everything—from their job to their marriage to their purpose.
Finding a Way Forward
So, how do we deal with burnout and midlife crisis without making rash decisions?
- Rethink Success – Instead of measuring success by salary, job title, or external validation, define it in terms of fulfillment and balance. If your work is draining you, can it really be called success?
- Recognize the Warning Signs – Losing interest in work, feeling detached, and struggling to muster enthusiasm are all early signs of burnout.
- Set Boundaries – Work will always demand more. It’s up to you to decide what is enough.
- Address Deep-Seated Patterns – If your self-worth depends on achievement, it might be time to rethink where that belief came from. Therapy and self-reflection can help break the cycle.
- Embrace Change – A midlife crisis isn’t necessarily a crisis—it can be a wake-up call. Maybe it’s time for a career shift, a realignment of priorities, or simply a different perspective.
Final Thoughts
Burnout and midlife crisis aren’t just work problems or age-related phases. They’re signals—urgent ones—telling us that something needs to change. The real question isn’t How do I push through? but Am I living a life that actually fits me?
If the answer is no, maybe the crisis isn’t a disaster. Maybe it’s an opportunity.
