Perplexity: Quick Start Guide

Asking Good Questions (Perplexity)

Learn the structure of effective prompts—then iterate: Ask → Review → Revise.

🌟 Why asking good questions matters in Perplexity

• Clear goals + context yield higher-quality, citable answers.
• Format and constraints (length, audience) make results immediately usable.
• Follow-ups refine scope; Related Questions expand perspective.
• Focus modes & modifiers (e.g., site:, after:) sharpen relevance.

🧩 Quick Prompt Template (copy & adapt)

Task: (what you want)
Context: (course/project/audience; constraints; key terms)
Format: (bullets, table, outline; length)
Tone: (concise, formal, friendly)
Citations: (ask for linked sources; note uncertainties)
Optional (Perplexity): Focus mode (Academic/Video/Social), modifiers like site:, filetype:, after:/before:

Example prompt:
"Explain Porter’s Five Forces for Nike.
Audience: undergrad business class; cite 2 reputable sources with links.
Format: numbered bullets, ≤200 words. Tone: clear, neutral.
Optional: Focus=Academic."
    

Tip: Start simple—then add one missing element (context, format, length, audience, or Focus) each revision.

📝 Copy-ready examples (Perplexity)

"Summarize three peer-reviewed articles on generative AI’s impact on marketing.
Focus: Academic. Format: 5 bullets with linked citations. ≤180 words."
    

"Create a rubric (table) to assess literature review quality: criteria, 3 levels,
and quick feedback phrases. Add example sources with links."
    

"Draft a 10-minute mini-lesson: 'Using Business Source Complete for SWOT.'
Include learning goals, demo queries, and a 3-question exit ticket. Link sources."
    

✅ Do / ❌ Don’t

🧠 Helpful Prompt Patterns

• SCQA (Situation–Complication–Question–Answer): “Given X and Y, what’s the best Z?”
• 5W1H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How—ensure coverage and clarity.
• Critique → Revise: “Assess this draft with 3 fixes; then rewrite.”
• Persona: “Act as a librarian/instructor/TA for this audience: …”
• Modifier-aware: “Add site:.gov and after:2024-01-01; Focus=Academic.”

🎯 Mini-Exercises (Try It Now)

1. Basic → Better: Start with “Explain SWOT.” Add audience, format, length, and Focus.
2. Format Switch: Ask for a table; then a 5-bullet summary; then a 120-word abstract.
3. Verification: Request 2 linked citations and a list of uncertainties/assumptions.

Loop it: After each answer, revise one variable—context, format, constraints, or Focus.