Getting Started

Setup

Download Claude Desktop

Go to claude.ai/download and install it on your computer. It works on Mac and Windows.

Open Claude

Launch the app. You'll see a chat window — just like texting, but with AI.

Try a prompt

Type something and press Enter. Start with something simple from the examples below.

First Prompts to Try

Start with these. No setup needed — just paste into Claude and see what happens.

Simplify a paragraph

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Make this paragraph clearer and more concise. Keep the meaning, but use simpler language:

[Paste a paragraph from a report or email you're working on]

Draft a quick email

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Draft a short internal email to my team about [topic]. Keep it under 150 words. Tone: friendly and direct.

Summarize something long

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Summarize this in 3-5 bullet points. Focus on decisions made and next steps:

[Paste meeting notes, a long email, or a document]

Tips for Better Prompts

Give context

"I'm a program director at a youth nonprofit" tells Claude how to frame its response.

Be specific

"Under 200 words, in bullet points, for a grant funder" is better than "make this better."

Iterate

Don't accept the first output. Say "make it shorter" or "use a warmer tone" or "add more data."

Give examples

"Here's a testimonial we like: [example]. Write something similar" gives Claude a model to follow.

The 4D Framework

A mental model for working with AI effectively.

Delegation

What should AI handle?

Identify tasks where AI adds value — repetitive admin work, drafting, formatting, research. Keep human judgment for decisions that matter.

Description

How do I tell it what I need?

Good prompts have context, specifics, and format. Think of it as briefing a smart colleague — the more context you give, the better the output.

Discernment

Is the output good enough?

AI output is a first draft, not a final product. Read it critically. Check facts. Adjust tone. You're the editor, not the audience.

Diligence

Am I using this responsibly?

Know the boundaries. Protect client data. Review before sharing externally. When in doubt, check the traffic light card.