When engaging with ChatGPT, or other generative AI, the key to a successful and efficient interaction lies in how you design your prompts. Here are six musts to ensure a better prompt and, consequently, a more accurate and valuable outcome. If you’re a lover of acronyms, this is VITALS.
1. Verbs
Begin your prompt with a clear action verb that indicates what you want ChatGPT to do. Whether it’s writing, constructing, listing, creating, analyzing, summarizing, evaluating, or explaining, the right verb sets the tone for the response you’re seeking.
2. Information
Provide detailed information about the theme, genre, style, topic, or subtopic you want ChatGPT to focus on. You can even give it specific text to read for context. The more specific and relevant the information, the better ChatGPT can tailor its response to your needs.
3. Text
Specify the desired text form for the response. Whether you need a calculation, essay, feedback comment, letter, model response, lesson plan, or any other format, clarifying the expected output helps ChatGPT align with your expectations.
4. Audience
Consider the target demographic or reader for the response. Clearly define the audience, author, relationship, or year level to ensure that ChatGPT tailors its language, tone, and content appropriately.
5. Limitations
Establish any limitations for the response. This could include word count restrictions, exclusions, or specifications regarding the perspective (first, second, or third person). Setting boundaries helps you receive responses that align more closely with your requirements.
6. Style
Incorporate style preferences into your prompt. Specify text hierarchy, the use of bolds or italics, and the desired tone. Giving stylistic guidance ensures that the response not only meets your content needs but also aligns with your preferred presentation.
Remember, ChatGPT (and similar) thrive on clear and well-structured AI prompts. By following these six musts, you set the stage for a more productive and satisfying interaction. Think of it as a collaborative effort—your guidance helps ChatGPT understand your expectations better, resulting in a more accurate and tailored response.
