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Prompting in AI

by Aric Ahrens on 2025-10-13T19:58:10-05:00 | 0 Comments

A "prompt" in Artificial Intelligence is the user input and a well crafted prompt is key to receiving a useful reply.  Crafting a successful AI prompt is both an art and a science. A well-designed prompt can dramatically improve the relevance, clarity, and usefulness of the AI's response. Here are the key factors that contribute to a successful prompt:


1. Clarity and Specificity

  • Be clear about what you're asking. Avoid vague or overly broad questions.
  • Specify the format you want the answer in (e.g., list, summary, code, table).
  • Example:
    • Tell me about climate change.
    • Summarize the main causes of climate change in bullet points.

2. Context

  • Provide background information or constraints that help the AI understand your intent.
  • Mention any relevant details like audience, purpose, or tone.
  • Example:
    • Write a professional email to a client explaining a project delay due to supply chain issues.

3. Goal-Oriented Language

  • Frame your prompt around the outcome you want.
  • Use verbs like generate, summarize, compare, analyze, design, etc.
  • Example:
    • Generate a list of pros and cons for remote work vs. in-office work.

4. Avoid Ambiguity

  • If a term has multiple meanings, clarify which one you mean.
  • Example:
    • Explain Java.
    • Explain the Java programming language for a beginner.

5. Use Examples (if needed)

  • Including examples can guide the AI toward the style or structure you want.
  • Example:
    • Write a poem in the style of Robert Frost. Here's an example of his work...

6. Ask Follow-Up Questions

  • If you're exploring a topic, build on previous prompts to deepen the conversation.
  • This helps refine the output and get more nuanced insights.

7. Iteration

  • Don’t be afraid to revise your prompt based on the response you get.
  • Prompt engineering is often an iterative process.


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