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
Human -> AI -> AI -> Human
Soon enough, most interactions (from emails to press releases to strategy documents) will look like this.
Soon enough, most interactions (from emails to press releases to strategy documents) will look like this:
Human -> AI -> AI -> Human
Meaning: a person comes up with a draft/idea/concept, then uses AI to create/improve/refine it, sends it to another person whose AI will read/analyze/summarize it, and then the other human processes it.
New way of working, I guess.
*This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Classic Collingridge Dilemma
Is regulation stopping innovation? Can it, should it do so?
Is regulation stopping innovation? Can it, should it do so?
Here is the "Classic Collingridge Dilemma" (1980):
• Any effort to control innovative technology faces a double bind.
• During the initial stages, when control would be possible, not enough is known about the technology’s harmful social consequences to warrant slowing its development.
• By the time those consequences are apparent, however, control has become costly and slow.
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
AI prompt to the Rescue
EU lobbyists & NGOs, a single AI prompt to the rescue.
EU lobbyists & NGOs, a single AI prompt to the rescue:
"Take our position paper [upload as PDF], and highlight 10 points that an EU official in DG [XYZ] or an MEP in [XYZ] group would likely challenge. Give me counterarguments for each."
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Practical Example: AI for Science Communication
AI for science communication, a practical example.
AI for science communication, a practical example.
"Give me 3 ideas to turn this [pasted screenshot] into a memorable, short story with a punchline that communicates the message that can be drawn from the chart. The audience is college students."
Result:
1. The Party That Faded
• Story: Imagine you’re throwing a massive party. In 1970, 100 people showed up—your house is full, music’s blaring, everyone’s dancing. But over the decades, your party keeps shrinking. By 2020, only 27 people remain. Where did everyone go? What happened?
• Punchline: “Just like that party, wildlife is disappearing fast. A 73% decline since 1970. If we don’t act, soon, there won’t be anyone left to keep the music going.”
2. The Disappearing Instagram Followers
• Story: Picture you’re an influencer with 100K followers in 1970. You’re on top of the world, right? But every decade, you lose more followers—faster than you gain them. By 2020, only 27K are still following you. That drop is real, and it’s painful.
• Punchline: “Wildlife’s losing their followers too—73% of species are gone. It’s time to give nature the boost it desperately needs.”
3. The Slowly Emptying Classroom
• Story: You’re a professor. In 1970, your class starts with 100 students. It’s full of energy and ideas. But by 2020, only 27 are still attending. The rest have disappeared quietly over time. The lectures don’t feel the same, the room feels empty.
• Punchline: “That’s what’s happening to wildlife—73% of species have ‘dropped out.’ If we don’t take action, soon there’ll be no one left to fill the seats.”
AI/GPT is revolutionizing hashtag#scicomm, if you need a workshop for your team, let us know ⚛️
(credits: Our World in Data & WWF)
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Parenting Without Possession: Finding Balance in Discipline, Love, and Authority
As a parent, I've often pondered the essentials of effective discipline. How do we uphold authority without overwhelming our children?
"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)'."
As a parent, I've often pondered the essentials of effective discipline. How do we uphold authority without overwhelming our children? And how does love fit into this equation in a way that builds healthy connections? Recently, during a meaningful conversation, these questions came into focus, bringing forward some insights on what it means to parent with balanced discipline, genuine love, and respect.
Moving Away from "Ex-Cathedra" Parenting
In our discussion, we agreed on stepping back from an “ex-cathedra” stance—an approach where one person, typically in authority, speaks down without really inviting dialogue. This style can feel too rigid, and in parenting, it can be alienating. Rather than controlling or instructing, a more fruitful approach often involves communication as equals, fostering an exchange that opens rather than dictates. This partnership model not only builds trust but allows children to feel seen and valued as individuals.
Discipline: The Difference Between Consequences and Punishment
One area we delved into was the distinction between consequences and punishment. While both aim to guide behavior, the underlying mindset is quite different.
- Consequences connect logically to a child’s actions. For example, if a child repeatedly forgets to return borrowed items, the consequence might be that they can’t borrow things for a while. It’s a rational response that fosters responsibility.
- Punishment, by contrast, often feels unrelated and can lead to resentment. For instance, if forgetting to return an item results in extra chores, the child may feel unfairly treated, focusing on the punishment rather than the behavior.
Over time, I’ve found that setting consequences rooted in natural outcomes rather than punishments tends to teach responsibility more effectively and maintain trust.
Rewarding Effort, Not Just Results
The idea of rewards brought us to a common dilemma. While achievements matter, rewarding children solely for outcomes—like grades—can narrow their understanding of value and success. I’m not against rewards altogether, but I lean toward recognizing the effort behind accomplishments. It could mean celebrating a child’s perseverance through a challenging week with a simple family outing. This kind of “reward” doesn’t only validate results; it shows that effort, commitment, and resilience are what we value most.
Physical and Emotional Boundaries in Discipline
Our discussion also touched on physical discipline and its lasting impact. Personally, even in times of frustration, I’ve found that physical force is rarely the answer. Any form of physical punishment can confuse the child’s sense of safety and security, leaving emotional imprints long after the event. Perhaps even more damaging, though, is the silent treatment—punishing children by withholding communication or affection. This kind of punishment can be internalized as a withdrawal of love, eroding trust and creating a profound sense of isolation. Instead, maintaining open, respectful communication fosters connection, even when enforcing boundaries.
Trust Through Honesty: The Power of a Parent’s Apology
One of the most meaningful ways to build trust is by acknowledging mistakes. It’s easy to think that apologizing might undermine authority, but in reality, it can have the opposite effect. Admitting to overreacting or acting out of frustration models humility and honesty. This approach teaches children that everyone makes mistakes and that relationships can be repaired when we take responsibility.
Respect Without Control
The conversation led us to a reflection on respect and authority. Demanding respect rarely inspires it; respect tends to emerge when it’s genuinely earned. Leading by example and cultivating mutual understanding can make admiration natural, not obligatory. In family life, respect flourishes when children see their parents living with integrity and consistency, rather than simply enforcing rules.
The Legacy of Parenting Patterns
We explored how parenting styles often reflect generational patterns. A parent raised with harsh discipline might, in turn, adopt an excessively lenient approach, hoping to avoid their own childhood hardships. Yet, such choices may unconsciously perpetuate similar patterns. Becoming aware of these influences is crucial; recognizing and consciously shaping our parenting style can lead to healthier family dynamics and break cycles that no longer serve us.
Love Without Conditions
Perhaps the most resonant part of our conversation was the role of unconditional love. Children need to know that their parents’ love is unwavering, especially in moments of conflict. This security forms the bedrock of a child’s self-esteem, providing a stable base that endures into adulthood.
To capture this perspective, we referenced Popper Péter’s thought: “A child is not our possession.” This simple phrase redefines parenting as a relationship of care, not ownership. Children are entrusted to us, and it’s our role to guide, not impose our own unfulfilled desires or expectations on them. In this light, we are not here to mold them into our image but to help them become their own.
Final Reflections: Leading with Love and Openness
Parenting, like all meaningful relationships, is far from simple. It’s a dynamic exchange, filled with errors and attempts to correct them, requiring forgiveness from both sides. The best parent-child relationships don’t stem from strict adherence to rules but from a place of mutual respect, empathy, and deep-seated love.
Parenting is an unfolding journey, and our role isn’t to control but to guide. If we remember that we are here to nurture and protect, we can create an environment where love, trust, and open conversation build the bond that sustains us, rather than one based on fear or control.
Overcoming Ego
I've learned that ego is a defence mechanism: its aim is to protect us from (perceived) threats we don't want to confront.
I've learned that ego is a defence mechanism: its aim is to protect us from (perceived) threats we don't want to confront. It's nevertheless unhelpful when an emerging, highly disruptive technology like AI/GPT comes along. It can trigger denial, cynicism, arrogance, resistance, and many other feelings/fears, all of which prevent curiosity, experimentation, learning, growth, and development. Of course one can have any number of totally warranted reservations, scepticism, love/hate relationship to this weird yet insanely powerful technology. I'm both excited about AI's potential, and terrified (as a human being) of what it might (will?) do to us as a society. But putting my head in the sand will not stop the arms race, and it will not stop employers from increasingly wanting/hiring staff who can use AI tools, no matter if it's for EU jobs, lobbyists, NGO activists, diplomats, corporate managers, communicators, or anything in between. There was a nice book I read many years ago, the title of which I still remember: "Feel the fear, and do it anyway."
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
AI Will Change Our Lives
...for better, and for worse.
AI will change our lives...for better, and for worse. (via Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and University of Oxford)
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
A Brief Conversation With Ursulabot
As an experiment, I recorded a brief conversation with UrsulaBot, the virtual European Commission President.
As an experiment, I recorded a brief conversation with UrsulaBot, the virtual European Commission President. (play with sound on)
What do you think?
**This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
AI for Science Communication
A few practical prompts for scientists.
I'll be speaking about "AI for Science Communication" this afternoon at an EU Agency's webinar.
A few practical prompts for scientists that come to mind:
1. "Carefully analyze this scientific study and point out 10 logical flaws or claims that are not properly supported by evidence in the paper."
2. "Turn this abstract into a powerful argument for [...] but make sure that you avoid the 'backfire effect' and similar traps."
3. "Suggest persuasive arguments for an audience that is 'on the fence' or 'undecided' about their interest or commitment to this issue."
4. "Take this dataset [attached] and come up with 3 visual metaphors that I can use to demonstrate their relevance in a relatable manner, while staying accurate to the findings."
5. "Turn this study into a news article, applying the 'inverted pyramid' approach, while making sure it's understandable for a non-expert audience but it's serious and factual at the same time. Include references to the data you used."
Hope this helps. If so, consider sharing it with fellow scientists & science communicators.
**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.
