✍️ Writing Effective Prompts

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🌱 What is a Prompt?

A prompt is the question, instruction, or request you give to an AI assistant. Think of it as your half of the conversation - the better your prompt, the better the AI’s response.

Simple Example:

• ❌ Bad: “Cars”
• ✅ Good: “What are the top 3 most fuel-efficient hybrid cars under $30,000?”

🎯 The Elements of Great Prompts

1. Be Specific

Vague: “Tell me about exercise”
Specific: “Create a 30-minute beginner-friendly home workout routine with no equipment”

2. Provide Context

Without Context: “Write an email”
With Context: “Write a professional email declining a job offer politely, thanking them for the opportunity”

3. State Your Goal

Unclear Goal: “Python code”
Clear Goal: “Write Python code to sort a list of names alphabetically and remove duplicates”

4. Specify Format

No Format: “Information about Paris”
With Format: “Give me 5 bullet points about must-see attractions in Paris, with brief descriptions”

📝 Basic Prompt Templates

For Learning

Explain [topic] in simple terms, as if I'm [age/level].
Include [examples/analogies] to help me understand.

For Writing

Write a [type of content] about [topic] that is [tone/style].
It should be [length] and include [specific elements].

For Problem Solving

I'm trying to [accomplish goal].
I have [resources/constraints].
What's the best approach?

For Creative Work

Generate [number] [creative output] ideas for [purpose].
They should be [adjectives] and appeal to [audience].

⚡ Quick Wins: Improve Any Prompt

Add These Magic Words

“Step-by-step” - Gets structured instructions

"Show me step-by-step how to change a tire"

“For beginners” - Ensures simple explanations

"Explain blockchain for beginners, avoiding jargon"

“With examples” - Makes concepts concrete

"Teach me about metaphors with examples from movies"

“In [number] ways” - Gets multiple options

"Give me 5 ways to reduce stress naturally"

“Pros and cons” - Gets balanced analysis

"What are the pros and cons of remote work?"

🔄 The Refinement Process

Start → Refine → Perfect

Round 1: Broad request

"Help me plan a vacation"

Round 2: Add specifics

"Help me plan a 5-day beach vacation in Mexico under $2000"

Round 3: Add preferences

"Help me plan a 5-day beach vacation in Mexico under $2000.
I love snorkeling, hate crowds, and prefer small boutique hotels."

💡 Common Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake 1: Too Vague

❌ “Write something”
✅ “Write a 200-word blog introduction about sustainable living for millennials”

Mistake 2: Too Complex at Once

❌ “Create a complete business plan with marketing strategy, financial projections, and hiring plan”
✅ “Let’s start with the executive summary for my business plan. I’m launching [describe business]“

Mistake 3: No Context

❌ “Is this good?”
✅ “I’m writing a cover letter for a marketing position. Does this opening paragraph sound professional and engaging? [paste text]“

Mistake 4: Assuming Knowledge

❌ “Debug my code”
✅ “I’m getting an error in this Python code: [paste code and error message]. What’s wrong?”

🎨 Prompt Patterns for Different Tasks

Pattern 1: The Role Play

"Act as a [expert/role]. [Task/question]."

Example: "Act as a nutritionist. Create a meal plan for someone trying to gain muscle."

Pattern 2: The Format Request

"Create a [format] about [topic] that includes [elements]."

Example: "Create a checklist for new puppy owners that includes feeding, training, and health items."

Pattern 3: The Constraint

"[Task], but [constraint/limitation]."

Example: "Suggest 5 dinner recipes, but all must be vegetarian, under 30 minutes, and use common ingredients."

Pattern 4: The Comparison

"Compare [A] and [B] in terms of [criteria]."

Example: "Compare learning guitar vs piano in terms of difficulty, cost, and versatility."

Pattern 5: The Iteration

"[Initial request], then [next step], and finally [last step]."

Example: "Explain what photosynthesis is, then describe each step of the process, and finally explain why it matters for life on Earth."

📊 Before & After Examples

Example 1: Learning

Before: “Teach me Spanish”
After: “Teach me 10 essential Spanish phrases for travelers, with pronunciation guides”

Example 2: Writing

Before: “Write an essay”
After: “Write a 500-word persuasive essay arguing why schools should start later, with 3 main points and a strong conclusion”

Example 3: Coding

Before: “Code help”
After: “Review this JavaScript function for bugs and suggest improvements: [paste code]“

Example 4: Planning

Before: “Plan my week”
After: “Create a weekly schedule template that includes work tasks, exercise, and personal time. I work Mon-Fri 9-5.”

🎓 Advanced Beginner Techniques

Chain of Thought

Add “Let’s think step-by-step”:

"I need to choose between two job offers.
Let's think step-by-step about the factors I should consider."

Request Multiple Versions

Ask for variety:

"Give me 3 different email subject lines for a product launch -
one professional, one playful, and one urgent."

Set Constraints

Add boundaries:

"Suggest workout routines that:
- Take 20 minutes or less
- Require no equipment
- Are suitable for small apartments"

⚡ Practice Exercises

Try improving these prompts:

Exercise 1

❌ “Help with resume”
✅ Your improved version: _______

Hint: Add what job, what section, what specific help

Exercise 2

❌ “Recipe please”
✅ Your improved version: _______

Hint: Add cuisine, ingredients, time, skill level

Exercise 3

❌ “Explain blockchain”
✅ Your improved version: _______

Hint: Add level, use case, format preference

🚀 Next Steps

You now know the fundamentals of writing effective prompts! The key is practice - the more you interact with AI, the better you’ll get at guiding conversations.

Continue to Common Use Cases to see practical applications of these prompting skills.

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Pro Tip: Save your best prompts! When you find a prompt that works really well, keep it for future use. You can modify it for similar tasks.

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