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Give screen-reader-friendly steps instead of visual directions

  • For Customer support teams
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

A customer who uses a screen reader can't find how to export a report. Reply with one short opening sentence, then exactly 4 numbered steps that use keyboard actions and the exact names of the controls. Don't point to colors, positions or icons (no "blue button", "top right" or "gear icon"). Plain text, no emoji.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Copying the visual steps. The AI rewrites the help article, which says "blue tab" and "three-dot icon". Try: Say: "No colors, positions or icons. Use keyboard actions."
  • Not using the real control names. The AI describes buttons loosely, so a screen reader user can't search for them. Try: Add: "Use the exact control names from the accessibility notes."
  • A long warm-up. The AI opens with a paragraph of thanks and sympathy before getting to help. Try: Ask for: "One short opening sentence, then the steps."
  • Leaving the count open. Without a number, the AI picks its own list length and often adds extras. Try: Say "exactly 4 numbered lines" and show the line format.
  • Getting markdown back. AI adds bold and headings by default, which show up as stray symbols where this is pasted. Try: Say "plain text, no bold, no headings, no asterisks".

What a strong prompt includes

  • Says who is reading
  • Bans visual cues
  • Asks for keyboard steps
  • Uses exact control names
  • Sets the number of items

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