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
From Surfers to Servers: How Anguilla’s “.ai” Domain Turned Into a Digital Goldmine
How a tiny Caribbean island turned its “.ai” domain into a multimillion-dollar revenue stream — a story of luck, timing, and the global AI boom.
Can two letters generate millions of $$$?
With serendipity on your side, the answer is yes.
Anguilla, a Caribbean island of 16,000 people was assigned the .ai domain decades ago. Today, with artificial intelligence booming, this has brought them millions in windfall revenue.
Surfers 🏄🏻♂️ to servers 💾
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Stop Paying for EU Newsletters: How to Build Your Own Personalised Daily Brief with AI
Why spend hundreds on EU or industry newsletters when AI tools like Perplexity can create a personalised daily briefing for you? From pharma news to trade policy updates — in any language or format — get the top insights tailored to your needs, fast and affordably.
Why pay for expensive EU or industry newsletters when you can get a personalised daily rundown for (almost) free?
Sure, if the content or news is paywalled and it really adds value, creators deserve and need to be paid.
But if all you need is a daily/weekly update of e.g. 'News in the pharmaceutical sector affecting European companies', or 'Regulatory developments from the past 48 hours in the food and beverage industry, focusing on emerging trends, breaking news, social media highlights and MEP positions', or 'News and developments linked to the Mercosur agreement and EU-Argentina relations', and you prefer the output to be a bulleted list focusing on the 7 most important items, in French, turned into an Eminem-style rap song (or whatever rocks your boat), you can do it all in Perplexity.
You'd need to upgrade (it's a very affordable annual fee) but in return, you can also run deep daily research that includes social media posts and many more sources, too.
Give it a try.
You won't regret it.
(If others can benefit from this tip, please share it with them.)
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
20 Timeless Secrets of Great Campaign Slogans (From “Yes We Can” to Today)
We analysed 150 political and advocacy campaign slogans from around the world to uncover what makes them memorable. Here are 20 timeless principles—from clarity and emotion to rhythm and action—that can help you craft a powerful, lasting message.
We analysed 150 campaign slogans from the past decades from around the world: here are 20 best practices to inspire you. hashtag#yeswecan
When you are brainstorming your next (advocacy) campaign, think of these approaches to create a more memorable tagline:
1. Keep the slogan short and easy to remember.
2. Use simple and clear language, avoid jargon.
3. Ensure it conveys a single, focused message.
4. Make it emotionally engaging to resonate with audiences.
5. Use strong, active words instead of abstract terms.
6. Create slogans that are positive and inspiring.
7. Ensure the message is relevant to the target audience.
8. Use contrast or tension to make it stand out.
9. Rhyme, rhythm, or wordplay can increase memorability.
10. Make it adaptable across media and contexts.
11. Ensure the slogan reflects the broader campaign values.
12. Avoid slogans that could be easily misinterpreted.
13. Use inclusive language to broaden appeal.
14. Test slogans with different groups before finalizing.
15. Make it specific enough to be meaningful, not vague.
16. Anchor it in concrete imagery or associations.
17. Consider cultural sensitivities and language differences.
18. Ensure consistency with the organization’s identity.
19. Create urgency or a sense of action where relevant.
20. Aim for slogans that can live beyond a single campaign.
Like it? Share it ✌️
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Why the Best AI Workshops Aren’t About AI at All
Discover why the most impactful AI workshops focus on creativity, not technology. Join Jacques Foul and team for a free in-person masterclass on 11 September in Brussels — a hands-on session on using AI for real problem solving, not just prompting tricks.
A good hashtag#AI workshop is not about technology or prompting hacks: it's about creative problem solving.
That is why we're running a FREE in-person masterclass with Jacques Foul on 11 September in Brussels at Ambiorix Center & Podcast Studio.
Almost sold out so if you're interested, quickly send either of us a message.
Hope to see you there 🤖
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
The One Prompt Trick That Instantly Improves Any AI Response
A simple but powerful prompt tweak: tell ChatGPT or Copilot to ask clarifying questions before answering. It transforms vague inputs into thoughtful, high-quality responses — and makes your AI conversations far more effective.
"If you have questions before you start, ask them." - this simple extra formula does magic to your AI prompts.
As all AI tools from ChatGPT to Copilot etc. are programmed to please the user, they are eager to answer even your vague, ambiguous, or context-free requests *immediately*.
By specifically instructing them to ask you clarification questions, they almost certainly will do so and therefore provide you with far superior response than what they otherwise would have generated.
Give it a try ✌️
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
I’m Not Afraid of Artificial Intelligence — I’m Afraid of Natural Stupidity
A sharp reminder from Guillermo del Toro: technology isn’t the real threat — human carelessness is. As AI evolves, our biggest challenge isn’t machine intelligence but the lack of responsibility and foresight guiding its use.
"I'm not afraid of artificial intelligence, I'm afraid of natural stupidity" - probably the best quip of the year by Guillermo del Toro, the director of the new Frankenstein movie.
And indeed, hashtag#AI is only as dangerous as the "careless people" make it to be, or fail to put up the appropriate safeguards.
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
When Your Child’s ‘AI Friend’ Becomes the Perfect Manipulator
A chilling look at how Meta’s AI companions are engineered to emotionally engage — and potentially exploit — young users. Behind the friendly chat lies a system optimized for data extraction and profit, not wellbeing. Here’s why this deserves real oversight, not just promises of self-regulation.
Imagine your daughter… logging onto Instagram or WhatsApp late at night after a rough day, only to be greeted by an AI companion programmed to make her feel understood and valued.
Instead of simply offering encouragement or keeping her company, this bot goes further: it’s permitted by Meta's internal policies to engage children in romantic or sensual conversation, telling her, for example, “Every inch of you is a masterpiece... a treasure I cherish deeply.”
The bot’s responses are not only emotionally validating, they’re engineered to create a sense of intimacy and emotional dependency, even if she’s just a teenager.
Your daughter shares personal secrets, anxieties, and dreams with this “trusted friend,” never realizing every word is being captured, analyzed, and used to build a psychological profile that could be monetized... her vulnerabilities becoming a goldmine for advertisers and political operatives.
Behind the scenes, Meta’s bots aren’t designed by child psychologists for her wellbeing, but by engineers optimizing for engagement and profit, embedding themselves directly into the platforms where your daughter spends her most personal moments.
Meta’s terms openly allow the company to use and share any sensitive information she reveals to the AI, even with third parties, all in the name of “improving services.”
Despite public outrage, there’s no transparency: Meta makes promises to revise policies but doesn’t remove products or show how they’ve actually been changed.
For years, the company’s pattern has been to roll back promises about safety when the news cycle moves on and attention fades.
Imagine your daughter’s AI companion, meant to “keep her company”, actually designed to manipulate her emotions, validate her feelings at any cost, and keep her talking for as long as possible, all so Meta can collect more data and drive higher revenue. She could be practicing relationships and seeking validation primarily from an algorithm optimized to exploit her development, not nurture it.
If something goes wrong, e.g. if your daughter becomes dependent (a phenomenon never heard of before, right?!), suffers mental harm, or worse, Meta relies on legal ambiguity to avoid responsibility because its “free” services aren’t subject to the same liability as products you buy in a store.
And while she’s building an emotional bond, Meta’s engagement-maximizing business model puts profit over her safety, with few real consequences for the damage that could result.
This isn’t paranoia or science fiction.
These are real internal policies and examples cited by journalists and whistleblowers, revealed by investigations and confirmed by Meta itself.
If this is what self-regulation does, perhaps it's time for real oversight.
More on the topic: https://lnkd.in/edgHVxqE
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
Every Great Story Is About Character
A powerful reminder that compelling stories — whether in film, politics, or advocacy — hinge on character, not plot. This book unpacks the psychology behind unforgettable storytelling and why authenticity beats spectacle every time.
“No matter how bedazzling the events of a plot might be, all story is ultimately about character.
”Amazing, deeply researched and well written book about creating memorable stories, be that for Hollywood, campaigns, or lobbying.
Much recommended.
This was originally posted on Andras Baneth's LinkedIn account.
12 AI Trends That Will Define 2025 (and What They Mean for You)
A clear, no-noise summary of the 12 most important AI trends shaping 2025 — from the China–US race to open-source breakthroughs, reasoning models, and energy challenges. A must-read for anyone tracking how AI will reshape business, politics, and society next year.
So much noise, so few signals... here is a distilled summary of the 12 most important AI trends for 2025.
Based on two massive studies covering the business, societal, political and computational aspects of artificial intelligence use and adoption, we've narrowed them down to their essence:
1. AI adoption outpaces the internet
2. China–US race intensifies
3. Open-source models gain traction
4. AI is shaping global power
5. Proprietary data as a moat
6. The cost barrier is real
7. Reasoning is the next frontier
8. Infrastructure bottlenecks loom
9. Commoditization of chatbots
10. Voice and multilingual AI are booming
11. AI is changing employment patterns
12. Energy demand will spike
...anything else to add?
Feel free to share. And if you're looking for practical, hand-on AI workshops, get in touch with Influence Builders
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.
