Effectively communicating, using AI prompts, with models like ChatGPT has become an invaluable skill. The secret to unlocking the potential of these sophisticated tools lies in how we interact with them. This is where the VITALS framework comes into play, a guide to crafting prompts that yield the most accurate and useful responses from generative AI.
Previously, we introduced the six key components of VITALS: Verbs, Information, Text, Audience, Limitations, and Style. These elements are crucial in shaping how AI understands and responds to our queries. But how does this framework operate in real-world scenarios? How can a carefully structured prompt transform the quality of the output you receive from an AI like ChatGPT? Let’s explore some examples.
Part Examples
- Verbs
- Example 1: “Summarize” the key themes of ‘1984’ by George Orwell.
- Example 2: “Explain” the process of photosynthesis in simple terms.
- Example 3: “Construct” a weekly meal plan for a low-carb diet.
- Information
- Example 1: Write a story “set in a dystopian future, focusing on themes of freedom and surveillance, similar in style to ‘Brave New World’.”
- Example 2: Analyze “the economic impacts of the 2020 pandemic on small businesses in Europe, using data from the European Central Bank reports.”
- Example 3: Provide a detailed comparison between “Python and Java for backend development, considering factors like performance, scalability, and community support.”
- Text
- Example 1: Draft “a formal complaint letter” to a company about a recent unsatisfactory product purchase.
- Example 2: Create “a lesson plan” for teaching basic algebra to 8th-grade students.
- Example 3: Write “a series of tweets” promoting environmental awareness for Earth Day.
- Audience
- Example 1: Explain quantum physics “to a group of high school students” in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.
- Example 2: Write a blog post about the importance of cybersecurity “for small business owners.”
- Example 3: Prepare a speech on climate change “aimed at policymakers” attending an international conference.
- Limitations
- Example 1: Write a short story of “exactly 500 words” about a time-travelling adventure, avoiding any use of direct dialogue.
- Example 2: Provide an overview of the French Revolution in “under 300 words”, focusing only on the events leading up to the fall of the Bastille.”
- Example 3: List ten creative writing prompts, each “not exceeding 15 words”, suitable for middle school students.”
- Style
- Example 1: Compose a series of “humorous” tweets about daily life, using emojis and “casual language.”
- Example 2: Write a “professional” email to a potential employer, using “formal language and a structured” layout.
- Example 3: Create a “motivational” blog post about overcoming challenges, using “inspirational” quotes and a “conversational tone.”
Full Examples
Prompt Example 1:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Verb | Draft |
| Information | A business proposal for a new eco-friendly packaging solution targeted at small to medium-sized cosmetic companies. |
| Text | The proposal should include an introduction, market analysis, benefits of the product, and a conclusion. |
| Audience | The document is intended for business owners who are environmentally conscious and looking to make sustainable choices. |
| Limitations | Keep the proposal under 1000 words and use a professional tone without technical jargon. |
| Style | Use a formal business writing style, with bullet points for key features and benefits, and include a persuasive tone to encourage adoption of the product. |
Prompt Example 2:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Verb | Create |
| Information | A comprehensive lesson plan for a 9th-grade biology class covering the human digestive system. |
| Text | The lesson plan should include objectives, key concepts, a detailed activity for student engagement, and a short quiz for assessment. |
| Audience | The plan is for new biology teachers looking for innovative and interactive teaching methods. |
| Limitations | The lesson should be designed for a 50-minute class period and avoid overly complex medical terminology. |
| Style | Use a clear, educational tone with bullet points for each section of the lesson plan and include visual aids like diagrams where appropriate. |
Prompt Example 3:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Verb | Write |
| Information | A short story set in a futuristic world where artificial intelligence has become the primary form of government. |
| Text | The story should have a protagonist who is a journalist discovering the pros and cons of this system. |
| Audience | This story is aimed at readers of science fiction magazines who enjoy deep philosophical questions and ethical dilemmas. |
| Limitations | The story should not exceed 2000 words and should be written in the third person. |
| Style | Employ a descriptive and engaging narrative style, with dialogues to flesh out characters, and use vivid imagery to describe the futuristic setting. |
In conclusion, these examples demonstrate how combining all elements of the VITALS framework can lead to well-structured and precise prompts, guiding the AI to produce highly tailored and relevant responses.
