Prompting Fundamentals
✨1. Be specific
Clear prompts reduce ambiguity.
Example: “Summarize this article in 5 bullets for a first-year business student.”
✨2. Provide context
Background shapes relevance.
Example: “This is for a class presentation, not a research paper.”
✨3. State your format
Structure improves usability.
Example: “Create a comparison table with pros and cons.”
✨4. Use examples
Samples clarify expectations.
Example: “Write in a tone similar to this paragraph…”
Working Iteratively
✨5. Break tasks into steps
Smaller steps improve accuracy.
Example: “First outline the paper, then draft the introduction.”
✨6. Use follow-up questions
Build on prior responses.
Example: “Now simplify that explanation.”
✨7. Correct the AI
Feedback improves results.
Example: “That missed my main point—focus on pricing.”
✨8. Treat outputs as drafts
Revision is where AI shines.
Example: “Revise this to sound more professional.”
Improving Quality & Insight
✨9. Ask for options
Comparison improves decisions.
Example: “Give me three possible approaches.”
✨10. Ask for reasoning
Understand the logic.
Example: “Explain why this option is best.”
✨11. Rephrase prompts
Wording matters.
Example: Rewrite the question with clearer constraints.
✨12. Set constraints
Limits guide output.
Example: “Limit your answer to 150 words.”
Accuracy & Limitations
✨13. Verify facts
AI can make mistakes.
Example: Check statistics against original sources.
✨14. Know access limits
AI lacks private data.
Example: It can’t see your course readings.
✨15. Watch knowledge cutoffs
Recent info may be missing.
Example: Ask it to search the web if available.
✨16. Confidence ≠ correctness
Plausible isn’t proof.
Example: Don’t trust citations without checking them.
Ethical & Responsible Use
✨17. Protect sensitive data
Privacy matters.
Example: Never share SSNs or passwords.
✨18. Think critically
AI supports thinking.
Example: Decide whether the answer actually fits your goal.
✨19. Be transparent
Follow disclosure rules.
Example: Acknowledge AI use in assignments if required.
✨20. Treat AI as a collaborator
Partnership works best.
Example: Refine answers through multiple rounds.