Artificial Intelligence is no longer something out of a sci-fi movie or reserved for engineers working at global tech companies. From writing emails to analysing spreadsheets, AI is becoming a day-to-day assistant for teachers, small business owners, HR professionals, creatives, and even students.
But many people are still on the sidelines—unsure where to begin.
Maybe you have said something like:
“I do not have a tech background.”
“AI sounds too complicated.”
“I am not even good with Excel.”
Here is the truth: You do not need to be a coder to start using AI tools. You only need curiosity, a little time, and the right entry points.
What Is an AI Tool, Really?
Let us demystify it.
An AI tool is simply software that helps you complete a task faster or smarter—by learning from patterns. Think of it like Google Maps for work. You tell it where you want to go (your goal), and it suggests a route (your result). And if you ask better questions, it gives better answers.
In other words, these AI tools can:
- Help you write clearer emails, CVs, proposals, or social media posts.
- Assist you in planning lessons, projects, or reports.
- Analyse your data from spreadsheets and give summaries.
- Design logos, posters, or layouts in seconds.
- Translate or simplify complicated texts.
And most of these tools are free—or have easy-to-use starter versions.
How to Get Started Without a Tech Background
You do not need a fancy course to begin. Follow these five simple steps to enter the world of AI without feeling overwhelmed.
- Pick One Problem You Face Often
Do you spend hours replying to emails?
Do you struggle to create reports?
Are you tired of designing the same things over and over?
Start with one use case. AI is not about doing everything. It is about saving time on the right things.
- Try One Beginner-Friendly Tool
Here are tools anyone can try without any technical setup:
- ChatGPT (chat.openai.com): Ask questions, write drafts, create plans.
- Canva AI (www.canva.com): Generate designs, logos, or presentation slides.
- GrammarlyGO: Suggests better ways to write or rewrite sentences.
- Notion AI: Helps with summaries, task lists, and content planning.
- Microsoft Copilot / Google Gemini: Embedded in apps you already use—like Word, Excel, or Gmail.
You do not need an instruction manual—just open the tool and try typing, “Help me write a summary of this email” or “Give me five ideas for a lesson plan.”
- Learn the Basics of Prompting
This is the real skill.
A prompt is just a fancy word for the question or instruction you give to an AI tool.
Instead of saying:
“Write about dogs.”
Say:
“Write a short, friendly blog post explaining why dogs make great companions for busy professionals.”
Good prompts are clear, detailed, and purposeful.
- Play, Do Not Panic
Treat AI like a new assistant. It may not get things right the first time—and that is okay. You are learning how to work with it.
Make it a game:
- See how fast it can write your next LinkedIn post.
- Ask it to suggest a name for your business idea.
- Get a breakdown of an Excel dataset you already use.
The more you experiment, the more confident you will become.
- Connect With Others on the Same Journey
You are not alone.
Search for beginner AI webinars, WhatsApp communities, or YouTube channels made by non-tech professionals. You will see teachers using AI to plan lessons. Designers automating parts of their process. Small business owners using it to respond to reviews.
Community is where confidence grows.
Maria’s First Step into AI
Maria, a 43-year-old administrative officer in Birmingham, had never used AI before 2023. She said it felt like “something for IT people.”
One day, she tried ChatGPT to help her rewrite a formal letter. In under two minutes, she had five tone options. She now uses it weekly—for drafting memos, summarising reports, and generating ice-breaker questions for team meetings.
Maria is not in tech. But she is using AI like a pro.
Where You Begin Is Good Enough
Do not wait until you “know everything.” AI is not a final destination. It is a growing space where your first step is the most important.
Start small. Be curious. Try one tool. Ask one question.
You do not need to be technical. You just need to be willing.
Because in 2024, the people who succeed are not the ones who know it all. They are the ones who start, learn, and apply what works.
And you can start—today.
Meet the writer:
Chukwujekwu “Jeks” Ezema explores how AI is changing the way we work, collaborate, and create. His writing helps professionals at every level understand and adapt to digital transformation.