How to prompt AI for the best results
Unlocking Artificial Intelligence: Why Your Neighborly Chatbot Should Be Prompted for the Best Results
Ah, the day of artificial intelligence! It’s like having the most brilliant friend who is completely on top of everything and doesn’t judge you for eating cereal at 3 am. But to intuit those magic keys, there’s an essential art form: the prompt. Think of it as your chatbot’s master key to knowing exactly what you want. So let’s start thinking about the best ways to provide prompts to AI, and take your experience from ‘meh’ to ‘wow!
1. Types of AI
Imagine you’re at a restaurant. You wouldn’t just say “something good” while the waiter looks at you in shock, right? Just as importantly, don’t be vague with your calls. Instead of “Tell me a bit about the past”, say “When did the Roman Empire collapse?” It’s like ordering a steak instead of a mystery meat platter.
Example :
Bad Prompt: “Speak to me about plants.”
Good Prompt: “What are the most efficient indoor plants under lights?”
2. Setting the Scene – Context is Crucial!
Your questions require context, just like a good novel does. This lets the AI learn what you want. Consider it as throwing out a few breadcrumbs instead of expecting it to stumble upon your whole bakery.
Example :
Bad Prompt: “What’s the weather?”
Good Prompt: “What are the weather conditions for Paris next week?”
3. Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)
Don’t be too outrageous, but don’t make your plea into a Shakespearean sonnet. Use clear and simple language. The machine is smart, but it doesn’t have a PhD in riddles.
Example :
Bad Prompt: “In a grand narrative of events in my life, threading so intricately, would you tell me about salt?”
Good Prompt: “How to cook with salt?”
4. Form – Menu Option to Choose Format
When you’re in a drive-thru, you don’t just say “food,” do you? You choose a burger, fries, and a milkshake! Likewise, tell the AI what information you want delivered: as a list, a summary, or an explanation.
Example :
Bad Prompt: “Tell me about dogs.”
Good Prompt: “Will you just give me a bulleted list of the most-studied dog breeds and their traits?”
5. Laugh – A Little Laughter Helps A Lot!
Joke prompts have a way of bringing out funnier answers. Do you want to learn about the solar system? Include a joke about aliens. Want cooking tips? Tell an intergalactic cook a recipe. It’s a laughter-induced inspiration!
Example :
Bad Prompt: “How do I make a cake?”
Good Prompt: “If I had to make a cake to impress an alien, what recipe should I choose?”
6. Try it out – Scientific Prompt Method
Feel free to experiment with other strategies. When the AI initially fails to send you a rainbow, ask for something else! Play with the form, tonality, or level of detail until you achieve the perfect balance.
Example :
Bad Prompt: “Show me a workout schedule.”
Good Prompt: “Can you create a basic 5-day workout routine for an absolute beginner? I want a workout routine so fast my cat would get jealous!”
Conclusion: The Ultimate Prompt Toolkit
So go forth and let your AI pal unleash the kung fu – make sure to drop a thank-you note for all the glitter! You know, with an alien sticker to boot!