An AI prompt is a piece of text or instruction that you provide to an artificial intelligence system to generate a response or perform a task. Think of it as a starting point or a question that guides the AI on what you want it to do.
What Makes a Good AI Prompt? | Examples of Prompts | Mini Prompt Library for Generative AI Tools
What Makes a Good AI Prompt?
A good AI prompt is crucial for eliciting the best possible responses from an AI. Here are some key elements that make a good AI prompt:
- Clarity and Specificity
- Be Clear: Clearly state what you want to know or discuss.
- Be Specific: The more specific your question, the more accurate the response.
- Context
- Provide Background: Give relevant context if necessary to help the AI understand the situation better.
- Use Examples: Examples can clarify ambiguous terms or scenarios.
- Conciseness
- Avoid Redundancy: Keep your prompt concise and to the point.
- Limit Length: Long prompts can be confusing; try to break them down into smaller, manageable parts if needed.
- Open-ended vs Close-ended
- Open-ended Questions: Use open-ended questions for detailed answers
e.g. What are some tips for writing a novel?
- Close-ended Questions: Use close-ended questions when looking for specific information
e.g. Is it going to rain tomorrow?
- Politeness and Tone
- Have the AI act as if it's in a certain role. For instance, tell it to write a maid-of-honor speech as if it is the bride's sister.
Examples of Prompts
- General Knowledge:
- "What are the main differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources?"
- "Can you provide a brief overview of the causes and effects of climate change?"
- Technology:
- "How does blockchain technology work, and what are its potential applications?"
- "What are some emerging trends in artificial intelligence for 2024?"
- Education:
- "Explain the significance of the Treaty of Versailles in world history."
- "What strategies can help improve study habits for college students?"
- Health and Wellness:
- "What are some effective ways to manage stress on a daily basis?"
- "Can you describe the benefits of a balanced diet?"
- Science:
- "How do photosynthesis and cellular respiration complement each other in plants?"
- "What is quantum entanglement, and why is it important in physics?"
- Lifestyle:
- "What are some budget-friendly travel destinations for students?"
- “Provide tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance."
- Entertainment:
- "Who were some influential directors in the history of cinema, and why?"
- "Can you recommend classic literature that everyone should read at least once?"
- Finance:
- "What are the basics of investing in stocks for beginners?"
- "Explain how compound interest works with an example."
Mini Prompt Library for Generative AI Tools
This is a resource to inspire curiosity and innovation. Feel free to build on any suggested prompt by adding details specific to you. Remember AI responses can be incorrect. Please never share protected information with an AI tool. This document was created with help from Microsoft Copilot.