Understanding the following key concepts can help you create more effective prompts:
• Directive
• Context
• Input Data
• Output Instructions
Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Directive
A directive is a clear instruction that tells the AI model what you want it to do.
• Purpose: Guides the model’s behavior.
• Examples:
• “Summarize the following text…”
• “Translate this paragraph into Spanish…”
• “Generate a list of…”
Tips for Using Directives:
• Be Explicit: Clearly state the action you want the AI to perform.
• Use Imperatives: Start directives with verbs like “explain,” “describe,” “list,” or “compare.”
Example:
• Prompt: “Explain the significance of the Renaissance period in European history.”
• Directive: “Explain the significance…”
Context
Context provides background information that helps the AI model understand the scenario or subject matter.
• Purpose: Sets the stage for the AI’s response.
• Examples:
• Providing a brief overview of a topic.
• Describing a situation or setting.
• Including previous conversation history.
Tips for Providing Context:
• Be Relevant: Include only necessary information.
• Be Concise: Keep the context brief to avoid overwhelming the model.
Example:
• Context: “In the realm of renewable energy, solar power has seen significant advancements.”
• Prompt with Context: “Given the recent advancements in solar power technology, list the top three benefits of solar energy.”
Input Data
Input data refers to any specific data or text you provide that the AI should use in generating its response.
• Purpose: Supplies the raw material for the AI to process.
• Examples:
• A paragraph of text to summarize.
• Data points to analyze.
• A code snippet to debug.
Tips for Providing Input Data:
• Format Clearly: Use quotation marks or code blocks to distinguish input data.
• Keep It Relevant: Ensure the data directly relates to the prompt.
Example:
• Input Data:
`• Prompt: “Create a short bio using the following data.”
Output Instructions
Output instructions tell the AI model how you want the response formatted or what to include.
• Purpose: Shapes the structure and style of the output.
• Examples:
• “List the steps…”
• “Answer in bullet points…”
• “Provide the definition in your own words.”
Tips for Giving Output Instructions:
• Specify Format: Mention if you want a list, essay, code, etc.
• Define Style: Indicate if the tone should be formal, casual, technical, etc.
Example:
• Prompt: “Summarize the key points of the article in bullet points.”
• Output Instruction: “In bullet points.”