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
EU vs. Rocket Science: Who’s Winning the Complexity Game? 🚀🇪🇺
Apparently, the EU is more complicated than rocket science 🚀 🇪🇺 🤓
Apparently, the EU is more complicated than rocket science 🚀 🇪🇺 🤓
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Stick Figures, FT Figures, and the Art of Perception. Can You Move by Standing Still?
Stick figures & FT figures.
Stick figures & FT figures 📈📉
Can you move by standing still?
Or stand still while the points of reference are moving?
What do you think..?
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Mastering Persuasion with AI: Practical Tips and Frameworks from #InformEU Workshop
Last week at the #InformEU workshop, we shared some practical tips on "prompts for persuasion".
Last week at the #InformEU workshop, we shared some practical tips on "prompts for persuasion". One of my favorites is applying a framework like Cialdini's "Influence" for *your* specific message, to make it more effective.
A common question from participants is "but how do I know about such frameworks"? Simple: start by requesting a list of 'persuasion frameworks' from your favorite AI tool (have you tried Mistral AI already?) and then apply one to your message (best to upload it as PDF).
For the most helpful AI tools for advocacy and communications, free PDF summaries and webinar recordings, visit Influence Builders and our website.
See you soon 🤖
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
What Really Goes Viral on LinkedIn? The Power of a Good Rant
What goes viral on Linkedin? The rant.
What goes viral on Linkedin? The rant.
It’s not industry insights, interesting takes, new jobs or personal stories. Unless utterly boring, those can get a fair amount of visibility but not viral fame.
It’s the righteous (or rightful) anger, energy, indignation, outrage.
Just human nature? Or the power of algorithms?
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
What Makes (or Breaks) a Relationship?
When Anna and I sat down to discuss the intricate web of human relationships, I knew we were diving into one of life’s most universally relatable and endlessly fascinating topics.
"English language summary of the latest episode of Andras' Hungarian podcast 'Ilyen az ember (avagy beszelgetesek egy pszichiaterrel)' - 'The Human Condition (Conversations with a Psychiatrist)'."
When Anna and I sat down to discuss the intricate web of human relationships, I knew we were diving into one of life’s most universally relatable and endlessly fascinating topics. The conversation touched on love, trust, jealousy, and the subtleties of personal growth within partnerships. Here’s a reflection on the key insights and ideas that emerged from our discussion.
What Makes Two People a Good Match?
We began by questioning the concept of compatibility. Is there a magic formula for two people to align perfectly? The short answer is no. Relationships are far too dynamic for rigid rules. However, certain foundational elements—such as mutual respect, shared values, and aligned life goals—can significantly enhance a partnership’s success.
The Role of Emotion
At the heart of any romantic relationship lies emotion. Anna emphasised that love is the glue binding partnerships, though its intensity and nature may evolve over time.
- Symmetry in Emotional Connection: Relationships often thrive when both partners experience emotions at a similar "temperature." This doesn’t mean feelings have to be identical, but an imbalance can create friction.
- Pragmatic Partnerships: Not all relationships are passion-driven. Some couples prioritise practical aspects, like co-parenting or financial stability. While such arrangements can function, they might lack the richness of emotional depth that sustains long-term happiness.
The Dynamics of Change: Growth, Adaptation, and Conflict
One recurring theme was the inevitability of change. Relationships are living entities, subject to internal and external influences. The ability to adapt—both as individuals and as a couple—is critical.
Growth Through Conflict
Conflict is often seen as a relationship’s nemesis, but Anna argued that it’s a natural and even necessary component of growth. Couples need disagreements to better understand each other’s boundaries and values.
Adapting to Life’s Curveballs
External factors—like career upheavals, illnesses, or even daily stress—affect a relationship’s equilibrium. Partners who approach challenges with a mindset of "us against the problem" rather than "me versus you" are more likely to succeed.
- Emotional Resilience: Partners who maintain their individuality while growing together often navigate these challenges more effectively.
- Flexibility: A relationship’s survival often hinges on the couple’s willingness to accommodate change—even when growth happens asynchronously.
Trust, Jealousy, and the Shadows of Past Relationships
Jealousy emerged as a multifaceted topic. It can stem from childhood experiences, previous betrayals, or even self-doubt. Anna’s insights on this were particularly eye-opening:
- Self-Worth and Trust: Jealousy is often a reflection of the individual rather than their partner. A lack of self-confidence can manifest as mistrust, creating a toxic cycle.
- Carried Baggage: Unresolved issues from previous relationships frequently seep into new ones. Recognising and addressing these patterns is vital for building trust in a fresh partnership.
- A Paradox of Jealousy: Anna highlighted the irony that excessive jealousy can push a partner away, sometimes leading to the very betrayal one fears.
The Duality of Loyalty and Responsibility
Loyalty extends beyond simple fidelity. It encompasses solidarity, mutual respect, and standing by your partner in challenging situations.
Defining Responsibility
Being in a relationship means taking responsibility for both yourself and the dynamic you share. This involves:
- Emotional Accountability: Acknowledging your own behaviours and their impact on the relationship.
- Mutual Support: Balancing individual needs with shared goals and values.
- Solidarity: Being an unwavering ally, especially in public or contentious settings, even if disagreements exist privately. Anna noted that public disloyalty—even something as minor as laughing at a partner’s expense—can cause profound rifts.
Navigating Family Dynamics
We also discussed the tension that arises when external relationships—particularly with family—interfere with a partnership. A common challenge is striking a balance between loyalty to a partner and maintaining familial bonds.
Finding Boundaries
Conflicts often arise when a partner feels torn between family expectations and their relationship. Open communication and setting boundaries are key to ensuring these situations don’t become divisive.
The Ebb and Flow of Love
Anna’s final point about relationships stayed with me: "Even in well-functioning relationships, dissatisfaction can creep in if one’s self-identity feels diminished."
The Danger of Complacency
What we initially find charming in a partner can become irritating over time. A lack of novelty and effort can erode the vitality of a relationship, making it essential to nurture curiosity and shared experiences.
Rediscovery
When relationships face challenges, they can either break or transform. As Anna aptly put it, "The end of one phase of a relationship often marks the beginning of another—either with the same partner or a new one."
Final Reflections
Relationships are as unique as the individuals who form them. From trust and loyalty to growth and conflict, every element contributes to the intricate dance between two people.
Anna’s wisdom reaffirmed my belief that no relationship is static; it’s a journey requiring constant adaptation, introspection, and effort. It’s not about finding the perfect partner but about becoming one. If there’s a takeaway, it’s this: love, when approached with care and understanding, can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures.
A Helpful Chart
How do European Commissioner, US Presidential, and EPSO candidates compare?
How do European Commissioner, US Presidential, and EPSO candidates compare? 🇪🇺🇺🇸📒
A helpful chart 😎
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Using AI for EU Communication, at #InformEU 2024 Sevilla
When I was coding a Commodore-64 in 1990, I wanted to be a programmer.
When I was coding a Commodore-64 in 1990, I wanted to be a programmer.
When I was studying law in 2000, I wanted to be an EU expert.
When I was reading about psychology in 2010, I wanted to focus on communication.
...and here it is, the magic triangle of all 3: Using AI for EU Communication, at #InformEU 2024 Sevilla.
If you're interested in my keynote slides, see them here: https://tally.so/r/3N4BYQ
Thank you Maja Schussler, Charlotte Gugenheim, Manuele Franci, Amaury Bisiaux much for the opportunity (photo Marco De Giorgi)
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Our Go-To AI Tools for Public Affairs & Communications: Tried, Tested, and Loved!
At our AI for public affairs & communications workshops, Jacques and I are often asked about our favorite tools.
At our AI for public affairs & communications workshops, Jacques and I are often asked about our favorite tools.
I don't know if these are the best or not, but we tried and liked most of them ✌️
Check it out here.
Enjoy & share ✨
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Le Chat by Mistral AI
Bonjour, Le Chat by Mistral AI, crème de la crème of language models.
Bonjour, Le Chat by Mistral AI, crème de la crème of language models, freshly baked in the heart of Paris 🥐🍷
I'm pleased to see a European AI (LLM) model so I asked it to tell me how it's different from ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.
Here is what I was told.
Keep exploring 🤖
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
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.
