Practice11 min read

Real-Time Sense-Making

The 30-second AI move

Sometimes during a meeting, you need AI help right now — not after. Someone drops a number that doesn't sound right, and the window for a clarifying question closes in about 60 seconds. This is where a fast AI assist quietly earns its keep.

How to use AI without being obvious

The trick is the kind of help you ask for. Not "give me the answer" — that's slow and unreliable. Instead:

"Does this sound consistent with what I gave you earlier?" (Comparison)

"What's a discreet way to ask about this without putting them on the spot?" (Phrasing help)

"What's the one question I should be asking right now that I'm probably not?" (Blind-spot check)

This works because you're using AI as a sparring partner, not an oracle. It can't tell you the real answer — but it can sharpen yours.

Don't trust AI for live facts. It can suggest what to ask — never let it confirm a number for you in real time. Hallucinations don't announce themselves. Verify before you act on anything important.

Practice Exercise

You're 15 minutes into a Q3 review with your VP. She just said: "Operating margin came in at 18% — that's slightly down from last quarter." Something feels off — you reviewed last quarter's report yesterday and you're pretty sure margin was 16%, not higher. If she's wrong, this matters because next year's budget is being framed off that comparison. You have about 30 seconds before the next slide. Write the prompt you'd send (to AI, on your phone or laptop, silently) to handle this without derailing the meeting.

No pressure — just give it your best shot! Write a prompt for the scenario above and our AI will give you friendly, specific feedback on how to improve.

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(try writing your own prompt first!)