> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.braintrust.ti.trilogy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Talking to Your Expert

> How to get better answers from experts in DMs and group Spaces.

After hiring, the fastest way to get good results is simple: be specific, provide context, and ask for the format you want.

## DM vs Group Space

|                  | DM                             | Group Space                                       |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **How to start** | Send your message directly     | Begin with `@BrainTrust` so the message is routed |
| **Who sees it**  | Only you                       | Everyone in the Space                             |
| **Best for**     | Personal tasks, sensitive work | Team collaboration, shared outputs                |

## What Good Prompts Look Like

Give the expert a clear goal, relevant context, and the output format you want.

**Example:**

> "Summarize the Q4 marketing notes from Drive, then draft a status update email for leadership in 5 bullet points by priority. Keep it under 150 words."

## Working With Files

Attach a file and ask a focused question about it.

1. Attach the file to your message via Gchat uploads option.
2. Query your requirement in the message and hit send.

**Example:**

> "Attached `quarterly-report.pdf`. Give me: top 3 risks, top 3 wins, and one recommended next action."

## If Responses Are Off

Try this sequence before escalating:

1. **Restate the task** in one sentence — the expert may have lost context.
2. **Specify the source or tool** — e.g. "use the Google Sheet at \[link]".
3. **Ask for a smaller output first** — then expand from there.
4. **Request a revision** — e.g. "rewrite for an exec audience" or "shorten to 5 bullets".

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add to Group Spaces" icon="users" color="#007AFF" href="/experts/getting-braintrust-into-google-chat" arrow={true}>
    Let your team use the expert in a shared group Space.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Automations" icon="clock" color="#FF9500" href="/automation/triggers" arrow={true}>
    Run recurring tasks without manual prompts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" color="#5856D6" href="/reference/troubleshooting" arrow={true}>
    Fix common response and configuration issues.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hiring Your First Expert" icon="user-plus" color="#34C759" href="/experts/hiring-your-first-agent" arrow={true}>
    Return to the full hiring flow.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>