A prompt is the set of instructions you enter into a generative AI tool in order to make it output text, an image, or some other kind of content. Prompts may be short or long, consisting of a few words, a paragraph, or more. If you do not write a good prompt, you will not receive the output you want.
Prompt Generation or Prompt Engineering (the ability to craft effective prompts) is a key skill when utilising artificial intelligence. A prompt provides context to an AI system, guiding it to generate the desired type of output
It is an iterative process: You may need to refine and retry prompts, building on what works and tweaking problematic outputs. Prompt engineering takes experimentation.
Additionally most AI generators are trained to report any prompts asking for illegal or harmful content to be created.
Be precise and detailed
Include specific details about what you want the text to contain, cover or accomplish. More details lead to more accurate outputs tailored to your needs.
Example: Write a 300 word blog post explaining 5 actionable tips entrepreneurs can use to better manage their time. Focus on daily planning, prioritization, delegation, automating tasks, and avoiding distractions.
Use do's and don'ts
Specify content or styles you want included or avoided. This guides the text in the right direction.
Example: Write a polite 250 word email to my manager requesting Friday off. Use positive and understanding language. Do not include an apology.
Give enough context
Provide necessary background details about the topic or situation to inform the text. More context results in better comprehension and relevance.
Example: I am writing a blog explaining photography skills to beginners. First give a 75 word background explaining exposure, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Then explain in 150 words how they work together to capture an image. Finally, provide 5 easy tips for new photographers to improve their photos using these key settings.
Mention your audience/ desired tone
Identify within your prompt who you will be directing to the text and the level of formality you want the text to convey. This can create more focused outputs and prevent you needing to change the POV or tone.
Example: Create a short introduction for a presentation the Temple of Hera explaining I will cover its history, architecture, statues and uses. Use second person to address my academic audience.
Break down complex requests
Separate convoluted instructions into clear sub-tasks. Simpler prompts prevent confusion.
Example: First, write a 150 word background summarising the key events of the French Revolution. Second, explain the storming of the Bastille in 3 sentences. Third, describe the Reign of Terror in 1 paragraph using easy vocabulary.
Try different wording/formats
Rephrase prompts or rearrange instructions to trigger new responses. Varied texts spark new ideas.
Example:
Specify desired outcomes
Note exact results wanted from the text such as length, format or content goals. Well-defined objectives produce better matches.
Example: At the end of my lesson on Taming of the Shrew to Sixth Formers, I'd like to gauge whether the 17 year olds have understood the main themes of the play. Provide a list of 5 questions I can ask at the end to check their understanding.
Ask for evidence
If asking for sources, always ask for DOI number, a link or a viable citation.
Example: Explain the top 5 causes of global climate change in a 300 word report. Reference 2 scientific reports or studies to support each cause, include their DOI number.
A search engine such as Google or Bing retrieve and rank relevant sources by matching the keywords in a search query to the keywords in a webpage, the more they appear the more 'relevant' it is ranked.
An AI text generator produces new content by predicting sequences of words in response to a provided prompt.