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
Corporations Are From Mars, Activists Are From Venus
If you are running a corporation, you’ve likely created thousands of jobs. You do cutting edge R&D. You contribute millions, if not billions, in tax revenue to the countries you operate in. You try to be transparent, ethical, and “do the right thing”. Regardless, you are under constant fire from activist groups, the media and a host of other stakeholders.
If you are running a corporation, you’ve likely created thousands of jobs. You do cutting edge R&D. You contribute millions, if not billions, in tax revenue to the countries you operate in. You try to be transparent, ethical, and “do the right thing”. Regardless, you are under constant fire from activist groups, the media and a host of other stakeholders.
Corporations and activists seem to misunderstand each other on a daily basis, if they decide to talk at all. Activists don’t need to be right – it’s enough that they make a lot of critical publicity that must be considered, not the least because public perception ultimately shapes the political and regulatory environment you operate in.
For most corporations, activist or NGO attacks are often misunderstood and hard to categorize. The below list makes an attempt at identifying the 5 key areas in which criticism falls into.
#1 Legitimacy of the product or service: IT or gadget companies rarely face this challenge, but pesticide makers, coal extractors and tobacco manufacturers are often questioned on the most visceral, basic level asking “why are you even making these products at all?” According to this narrative, these products are not only unnecessary, but outright harmful for people’s health, or that they pollute the environment without any benefit, while cheaper, cleaner alternatives exist.
#2 Questioning the marketing and business ethics: Foodmakers, fast-food chains, GMO seed producers and retail companies are often accused of “sly tactics that exploit unsuspecting customers”, claiming that they are:
i) hiding inconvenient product features (e.g. addictive substances in your food)
ii) pushing for overconsumption of otherwise unhealthy or unneeded products (e.g. criticism against carbonated beverages)
iii) silencing critical customer reviews or media reports (e.g. outspoken or ill-advised comments by CEOs)
iv) bundling products in a way that customers cannot opt out (any antitrust case)
v) abusing a monopoly or dominant position to their benefit (e.g. challenges against search engines and platforms)
vi) betraying customers’ trust (e.g. data protection and privacy issues)
vii) not living up to their role as ‘good corporate citizens’ (e.g. tax debates)
#3 Ignoring externalities: Companies fall into this category if they are sourcing palm oil from tropical rainforests or if they import cocoa from African war zones. Activists might claim that their local operations “lead to the destruction of the ecosystem” or their suppliers are allegedly using child labour. Hundreds of NGOs are working to raise awareness about the externalities that corporate practices allegedly have on local communities, whether directly in their business operations or tacitly via their supply chain.
All of which, it is assumed, could be used for a ‘good cause’ but “they are selling out”.
#4 Wasted opportunity cost: Corporations have resources, a skilled workforce, and money in the bank. All of which, it is assumed, could be used for a ‘good cause’ but “they are selling out”, they say. They could offer micro-financing for developing countries but still choose to run hedge funds. They are operating a nuclear power station instead of diversifying to renewable energy. The list is endless.
#5 Lobbying: Apart from the most radical activist groups, most NGOs accept that lobbying is an important part of the democratic policy-making process. What they rather take issue with is an alleged unequal access to policymakers and undue influence on public policy so that rules get bent in corporation’s favor (with the hidden narrative that private interest cannot in any way benefit the “public interest”). Another variant on this theme is alleging conflicts of interest when former regulators transit to industry jobs or vice versa, assuming their independence is compromised by where they have worked previously.
Activists don’t need to be right about you – it’s enough that they put you in the spotlight. Regardless, they do often succeed in gaining a lot of attention and can harm corporate or industry reputation in the process.
Whatever attack or challenge is waged at your industry or company, it will likely fit into one of the above categories. Knowing this, your corporate communication department can proactively prepare the line to take.
Formulating effective messages and using best practices in political communication will win most minds, and sometimes, even their hearts.
Corporations Are From Mars, Activists Are From Venus
Corporations, NGOs, #lobbying: a 5-part framework.
Corporations, NGOs, #lobbying: a 5-part framework. I wrote this 7 years ago but never published it. Seems still relevant, doesn't it?
European Parliament 2022 Agenda in Google Calendar [unofficial, free]
By popular demand, here it goes again! I often got frustrated that I had to download the PDF calendar of the European Parliament’s website to find out when are the Strasbourg plenary sessions, the committee weeks in Brussels and other details. As a result, I’ve created a free, public [unofficial] Google Calendar for 2022 that you can easily pull into your Android, iPhone, Outlook, or Google Calendar to see each week’s designation.
By popular demand, here it goes again!
I often got frustrated that I had to download the PDF calendar of the European Parliament’s website to find out when are the Strasbourg plenary sessions, the committee weeks in Brussels and other details.
As a result, I’ve created a free, public [unofficial] Google Calendar for 2022 that you can easily pull into your Android, iPhone, Outlook, or Google Calendar to see each week’s designation.
It’s the 6th year I’m offering it, so if you find any mistakes or have comments, please let me know!
Copy this iCAL link to add the EP 2022 calendar into your Google calendar or other app.
- Go to Other calendars
- Click the “+” sign.
- Choose “From URL” and insert the following link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/2k77vo48mjv3ms5utnu5eeohno%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
Link to the online version of this EP 2022 calendar
Don’t know how to integrate it? Just Google “how to subscribe to iCal for [your device]”
Wish to embed the calendar on your site? Here is the iFrame code:
<iframe src=”https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2k77vo48mjv3ms5utnu5eeohno%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe/Brussels” style=”border: 0″ width=”800″ height=”600″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>
Enjoy and share!
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any errors or changes, it’s purely for information purposes.
Digital Body Language
How long should you wait before you follow up on an email?
How long should you wait before you follow up on an email? Should you use smilies in your business communication? Text, video, instant message or other? An excellent book on the #digital meta- #communication we all struggle with. Much recommended! Erica Dhawan
Did You Know?
Did you know that brain issues affect 1 out of 3 Europeans?
Did you know that brain issues affect 1 out of 3 Europeans? And that brain disorders are estimated to cost 798 billion euros? I didn't either.
That is why it was a pleasure and privilege to work with Federation of European Neuroscience Societies - FENS on their understanding of EU institutions and advocacy best practices in a series of webinars to help them fight the good fight.
Special thanks to Natasha & Andreea & Tasia Asakawa for their support and their work on this important topic. #neuroscience #mentalhealth
Just cancel the Future of Europe Conference
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a mistake and it should be ended even before it begins (Photo: adobemac). Leaders of the EU institutions, along with political elites, are gearing up for the Conference on the Future of Europe: an ambitious year-long exercise to determine the direction of the EU for the next few decades.
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a mistake and it should be ended even before it begins (Photo: adobemac)
Leaders of the EU institutions, along with political elites, are gearing up for the Conference on the Future of Europe: an ambitious year-long exercise to determine the direction of the EU for the next few decades.
This is a mistake and it should be ended even before it begins.
No matter how hard they try to make these future-looking discussions citizen-driven, bottom-up, and representative of European society, the voices present will not speak for what the majority of Europeans want.Why would a random, unrepresentative mix of civil servants, self-appointed opinion leaders, and vocal activists be the ones to decide where the EU should be heading?
After spending an estimated €200m and countless months in meetings, the conference will likely release a grand statement along the lines of ‘making the EU more inclusive, more competitive, sustainable, green’, ‘a united global player’ to ‘fight nationalism and partisanship’ and share ideas of ‘social solidarity and human rights’ around the world.
But these principles are already well articulated in numerous documents and policy statements, so repeating them is rather futile.
Paradoxically, this very question has already been answered to a large degree by the European Commission’s own Eurobarometer poll on this very subject.
Even if new conclusions do come up, how would a ‘conference’ in which a tiny fraction of EU citizens took part have any legitimacy, power, or ability to ensure that the leaders of EU member states and institutions will play along in advancing this strategy?
There are already multiple channels available and being used right now: opinion polls, think tank analyses, civil society and corporate campaigns, summits at the European Council (which is formally tasked with discussing and setting EU strategy already), and most of all, the European Parliamentary elections which gauge European voters’ preferences on what direction the EU as a bloc should take.
Having lengthy discussions without any reassurance that its conclusions will ever be followed is not only a waste of taxpayers’ money but it creates the illusion that something meaningful will come of it.
If those concerned by the EU’s strategic direction were less impatient and more courageous, they would make this very issue the main topic of the 2024 European Parliamentary elections, as it has both the legitimacy and the power to enact what European voters truly want.
No radicalism, please
The great risk, however, is that European voters may decide that they do not want further integration or an ever closer union, so they choose representatives and leaders who wish to leave the EU, or perhaps bring the European Union back to the essence of European integration.
That may lead to the dismantling or scaling back of the dwindling and largely failing EU foreign policy, social, or tax regulations, and focusing on the core ‘four freedoms’ to create a real internal market that benefits everyone.
Is the Conference on the Future of Europe ready to contemplate such radical ideas?
It’s sad to expect that, even before the meeting has begun, Oliver Cromwell’s words to the British Parliament in 1653 will be just as relevant as they were some 350 years ago: “You have been sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!”
This article was originally published on EUobserver.
Hydrostatic Stress Test
In engineering, there’s a thing called a “hydrostatic stress test,” where they take pipes or fuel tanks or ship parts or whatever and they pump tons of water into them.
"In engineering, there’s a thing called a “hydrostatic stress test,” where they take pipes or fuel tanks or ship parts or whatever and they pump tons of water into them. The intense pressure from the water then exposes leaks and weaknesses in the structure, showing the engineers where the vulnerabilities are.
I believe that COVID-19 has been a kind of hydrostatic stress test for each place and each person around the world. Each system’s weakness has been revealed. Countries overburdened with regulations have been punished for their overregulation. Countries that have a penchant for authoritarian and/or incompetent leaders have had those leaders exposed. And countries that have factious, distrustful cultures have paid the price for their factious, distrustful cultures."
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.
