Section 2: What Large Language Models (LLMs) Actually Do
What You’re Using When You Use AI
Most workplace AI tools today are powered by Large Language Models (LLMs).
LLMs are not digital brains.
They are pattern-prediction systems trained on large amounts of text.
Their job is simple:
Predict the most likely next words based on what you typed.
That’s it.
How LLMs Generate Responses
When you type a question or prompt, an LLM:
- Reads the text you provide
- Looks for patterns it has seen before
- Predicts the most likely next word
- Repeats that process, word by word
This happens very fast — which is why responses feel immediate and fluent.
What LLMs Are Good At
LLMs excel at tasks involving language and structure, such as:
- Drafting emails and documents
- Summarizing long content
- Rewriting text with a different tone
- Generating ideas or examples
- Reformatting information
They are especially useful for first drafts and time-saving work.
What LLMs Do Not Do
LLMs do not:
- Understand meaning the way humans do
- Know whether something is true
- Remember real-world context unless you provide it
- Make decisions or judgments for you
- Take responsibility for accuracy
Fluent language does not equal understanding.
Why AI Can Sound Confident — Even When It’s Wrong
LLMs are trained to sound clear, helpful, and complete.
They do not know when they are guessing.
If a response sounds confident, that does not mean it is correct.
Accuracy depends on your input, your context, and your review.
The Most Important Takeaway
AI tools are powerful — but they are tools, not teammates.
AI generates drafts.
Humans provide judgment.
Used together, they save time and improve quality.
Used blindly, they create risk.
Coming Up Next
Module 1 · Section 3:
Why AI Suddenly Matters at Work