Part 4: Rounding out 2025: The One Skill That Changes Everything

Dear Techies,

Welcome to Part 4 of our year-end series: Tech in 2025, Explained Simply, where we’re breaking down the five tech shifts that defined 2025.

We’ve explored the rise of AI helpers (agents and search) and smarter energy use. Now, let’s tackle the question these shifts spark: What do I actually need to know?

The answer might surprise you. This year, the most essential tech skill isn’t about mastering complex code—it’s about mastering clear collaboration with the tools already at your fingertips.

Think of it this way: you don’t need to be a mechanic to drive. You just need to learn the new rules of the road.

🧠 The “New Skill” Isn’t What You Think

Let’s use a simple analogy.

Using basic chatbots was like using a can opener—one action, one result.

Using today’s AI is like having a helpful kitchen assistant. You wouldn’t hand them a single tool. Instead, you’d say: Please make a simple pasta dinner using what’s in the fridge. They’d ask a question or two, then handle the rest.

Your new skill? Giving clear instructions. In tech terms, it’s called prompting. But really, it’s just clear communication.

Why did this become essential in 2025?
Because the tools that require this skill—AI agents, smart search, assistants—are now baked into the free apps and sites we use daily. It’s no longer a niche skill. It’s part of everyday digital life.

💼 So What? How “Clear Communication” Helps You

This skill goes far beyond tech—it makes you more effective everywhere.

• At Work: Instead of manually formatting a report, ask an AI: Turn these bullet points into a polite, one-page email for my team.

• At Home: Planning a weekend task? Try: Give me a step-by-step guide to repot a houseplant, written for a beginner.

The Key Shift: You move from doing the manual work to doing the thinking and directing. You set the goal and check the quality, while AI handles the drafting, formatting, and searching.

🎯 Your 5-Minute Mission: Be the Director, Not the Typist

Ready to practice? Let’s go one step further than last time.

Your Mission: Give a clear, multi-step project to a free AI—then review its work like a manager.

1. Go to chat.openai.com or open the ChatGPT app.

2. Copy and paste the prompt below. Notice how it’s not a simple question—it’s a small project outline:

3. Review the result like a manager. Is the tone right? Is something missing?

4. Now edit it. Change a word, add a sentence. You’re not accepting the first draft—you’re using it as a starting point that saved you time.

I need to write a short thank-you email to a colleague who helped me with a project last week. Please:

1. Write a friendly subject line.
2. Draft a 3-sentence email that is warm but professional.
3. Suggest the best time of day to send it.

That’s it. You just practiced the core skill of 2025: define the goal, let AI execute a draft, and you stay in control to finalize it.

One Thing to Remember

Your most valuable skill is still your human judgment. Use AI to handle the drafting and organizing, so you can focus on the thinking and perfecting.

Next week in Part 5 (Our Finale): We’ll talk about how to stay safe and discern what’s real in a world filled with smart tech.

To everyone celebrating today: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄 Whether you're spending time with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment, I hope your day is filled with warmth and joy.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD

P.S. What did you ask your AI assistant to draft? A thank-you note, an invitation, or something else? Hit reply—I love seeing the creative ways people use this!

P.S.S. Did you know I wrote a book? Tech Savvy Starts Here is available on Amazon—a practical, engaging guide for families and educators helping kids build confidence with technology. Check it out here.

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🧠 Keep learning. | 💬 Keep questioning. | 💥 Keep growing.