Using AI Prompts for Beginners

How do I do this?

To use the prompts on the site to get information you need to access one of the prompt engines like ChatGPT, copy the prompt, and paste it in the text box. Some prompts have places for you to put more information, sometimes it’s your age, location or other details to give you more specific information.

If you’ve tried it and typed a question into an AI chatbot and received a disappointing answer, you’re not alone. One of the biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence is that it’s supposed to know exactly what you want. In reality, AI is only as good as the instructions you give it. Those instructions are called prompts.

What sites can I go to to do this?

What Is a Prompt?

A prompt is the request or set of instructions you give an AI.

Think of it like asking someone for directions. If you simply ask, “Where should I go on vacation?” you’ll probably receive a generic answer. But if you explain your budget, the time of year, who you’re traveling with, and what activities you enjoy, you’ll receive recommendations that are much more useful.

AI works the same way.

A Simple Example

Weak Prompt

Write an article about dogs.

Better Prompt

Write a 700-word article for first-time dog owners explaining why Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets. Include their temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and tips for training. Write in a friendly, conversational tone.

Notice how the second prompt gives the AI much more information to work with.

The Five Parts of a Great Prompt

While every prompt is different, most effective prompts include five basic elements.

1. Tell the AI Its Role

Giving the AI a role helps it respond from a particular point of view.

Examples include:

  • Act as a financial advisor.
  • Act as a college professor.
  • Act as a travel agent.
  • Act as a career coach.
  • Act as an experienced chef.

This simple technique often improves the quality of the response.

2. Describe the Task

Be specific about what you want the AI to accomplish.

Instead of:

Help me with my business.

Try:

Create a marketing plan for my local bakery.

The clearer the task, the better the response.

3. Provide Context

Context tells the AI about your situation.

For example:

  • Who is the audience?
  • What’s your goal?
  • What’s your experience level?
  • What’s your budget?
  • Are there any restrictions?

Instead of asking:

Plan a vacation.

Ask:

Plan a seven-day family vacation to Yellowstone for two adults and two children with a budget of $4,000.

The additional context allows the AI to generate recommendations that are much more relevant.

4. Specify the Format

Tell the AI how you’d like the information presented.

Examples include:

  • Bullet list
  • Table
  • Email
  • Step-by-step guide
  • Blog article
  • Checklist
  • Lesson plan
  • Social media post

For example:

Present the information as a table comparing the pros and cons of each option.

5. Explain the Goal

Finally, explain what you’re trying to accomplish.

Examples include:

  • Help me save money.
  • Help me prepare for a job interview.
  • Teach me this topic like I’m a beginner.
  • Convince customers to buy this product.
  • Explain this in simple language.

Knowing your goal helps the AI tailor its response.

An Easy Prompt Formula

When you’re unsure where to start, use this simple template:

Role + Task + Context + Format + Goal

For example:

Act as an experienced fitness coach. Create a four-week walking program for a 55-year-old beginner who wants to improve cardiovascular health. Present it as a weekly schedule with motivational tips.

This formula works well for almost any type of prompt.

Don’t Expect Perfection the First Time

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is assuming the AI should provide the perfect answer immediately.

Instead, think of AI as a conversation.

You can improve almost any response by asking follow-up questions such as:

  • Make it shorter.
  • Explain it more simply.
  • Give me three more examples.
  • Rewrite it in a professional tone.
  • Turn this into a checklist.
  • Add more detail.
  • Make it more persuasive.

Professional AI users often refine a response several times before they’re satisfied.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Being Too Vague

General requests produce general answers.

Instead of:

Help me write an email.

Try:

Write a polite email to my landlord requesting that a leaking kitchen faucet be repaired this week.

Leaving Out Important Information

The AI only knows what you tell it.

Include relevant details whenever possible.

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