Write better prompts for generative artificial intelligence
Did you know that the quality of your prompts can have a significant impact on how useful your generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) results are? A prompt that is too general or poorly structured can produce results that are not very useful or usable. Learn some simple, effective strategies to get the best results.
Why quality prompts?
To get the most out of GenAI tools, your prompts must be clear, precise, and adapted to your needs.
Detailed
Adapt the basic prompt structure to your specific context for more targeted results.
Clear
Write unambiguous prompts to make sure the tool understands your needs.
Precise
Include essential information so the tool can generate complete, tailored results.
Following these tips will increase your chances of getting high quality results that meet your expectations. You can also try out different formulations to see which work the best.
3 essential elements for an effective prompt
1. Explain the context
Give GenAI an overview so it can understand your situation:
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Who are you? Mention your role or field of study (e.g., student, researcher, intern).
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Who does your request targe? Describe your target audience (e.g., professor, classmates, employer).
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What are your limits? Share specifics that can affect the results (e.g., word limit, formal style).
Example:“I am involved in a student group at my university. I have to send an announcement about a career fair to the other students in my Bachelor of Business Administration program.” |
2. Define a precise objective
Clarify what you expect from GenAI. What do you want to do?
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Create: Write a text, produce a summary, or structure a document.
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Analyze: Examine data, do a search, or compare elements.
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Transform: Reformulate, translate, or adapt existing content.
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Innovate: Generate ideas, propose solutions, or brainstorm.
Example:“I need help writing a 50-60 message inviting my peers to a career fair that’s focused on internships and entry-level positions in advising, banking, and management.” |
3. Specify the expected format
To get the best results, define your criteria:
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Content format: Text, image, table, or a combination thereof?
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Structure the result: Summary, detailed report, list, or something else?
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Sources to use: Scientific data, articles, and testimonials?
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Desired length: A few lines or a few pages?
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Writing style: formal, informal, neutral, or creative?
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Language of results: Specify if necessary.
Example:“Please provide two versions of the messages -- one with a more formal tone, to send by email, and the other with a slightly more relaxed style for social media. The messages must be concise and engaging.” |
Be careful with your data!
By now you have understood the importance of contextualizing your prompts, defining clear objectives, and specifying the desired format. Take these strategies to the next level.
Advanced tips for even more precise results
By now you have understood the importance of contextualizing your prompts, defining clear objectives, and specifying the desired format. Take these strategies to the next level.
Be precise: GenAI needs details
For better answers, provide the GenAI tool with all the information it needs:
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Specific key words: Use exact technical terms from your field.
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Precise references: Indicate if you are referring to existing documents or sources.
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Concrete example: Show GenAI what you are looking for with a simple example.
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Limits and exclusions: Specify what you want to avoid.
Express yourself clearly: GenAI will understand better
To obtain quality results, make sure to:
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Use simple, direct language: Avoid using jargon if it isn’t necessary.
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Be precise: Long, complex sentences can be hard to interpret.
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Check your spelling: Good spelling improves comprehension.
Ask for different perspectives
Ask GenAI to take into account different points of view:
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Compare points of view: Ask GenAI to compare different approaches.
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Analyze the advantages and disadvantages: Ask GenAI to assess various aspects.
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Explore new perspectives: Encourage GenAI to propose innovative ideas.
Simplify concepts with analogies
Are you having trouble understanding something? Ask GenAI to explain it to you using metaphors or analogies adapted to your topic. Such comparisons make abstract ideas more concrete and easier to understand.
Iterate to perfect: the key to successful collaboration
If the results are not exactly what you were looking for:
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Reformulate your prompt in the same conversation thread, specifying that the initial response was not adequate, or
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Start a new conversation using a different approach.
Overview of other methods for writing prompts
There are a number of writing techniques We have described a more general method above, but here are a few different formats that can be tested.
CLEAR
Description
Concise, logical, explicit, adaptable, and reflective
Can be used in this situation
When you need to write a clear, structured message, such as to ask a professor for help or submit a project.
Example
Instead of writing, “Tell me about macroeconomics,” write a CLEAR prompt: “Give a concise overview of the main macroeconomic indicators, including their definition, their importance, and their impact on the global economy.”
RACE
Description
Role, action, context, expectation
Can be used in this situation
When you need to describe a specific task, such as asking a professor for help or submitting a project.
Example
“As a marketing student, I have to analyze the market for my strategy course. I want advice on what method to use and some key things to include in my report.”
RTF
Description
Role, task, format
Can be used in this situation
When you need to specify the expected format of your work, for example, an oral exposé or a presentation.
Example
“As a finance student, I have to prepare a 15-minute presentation on the new banking regulations.” Can you help me organize my presentation so that it’s concise and impactful?
TAG
Description
Task, action, goal
Can be used in this situation
When you need to describe a specific mission, such as asking for help with a group project.
Example
“For my project management course, my team and I must organize a fundraiser for a charity. We would like advice on the best communications and student mobilization strategies.”
CARE
Description
Context, action, result, and example
Can be used in this situation
When you must provide detailed information about an activity, such when applying for an internship.
Example
“As an entrepreneurship student, I am looking for a 3-month internship in a start-up.” I would like advice on writing a convincing CV and cover letter for this type of internship.”
Questions?
Contact the GenAI work group: