Do you want the AI to understand exactly what you want it to do? The quality of its response depends directly on the quality of your instruction. It all starts with a good prompt!
Here are 10 essential tips for guiding AI like a pro.
1. Use action verbs in the imperative tense
- Why is this? Direct instructions avoid any ambiguity.
- How do we do it? Start your sentence with: writes, translates, summarises, analyses, compares, classifies, generates, corrects, optimises, codes...
- Example : Summarises the following article in 150 words:
2. Be clear, precise and concise
- Why is this? A short, focused prompt reduces irrelevant responses.
- How do we do it? Make only one request at a time and specify the expected result.
- Example: Summarise this article in 3 key sentences.
3. Indicate the desired output format
- Why is this? The AI adapts its rendering (bulleted list, table, Python code, etc.).
- How do we do it? Explicitly state the type of format.
- Example: Present the advantages and disadvantages in a 2-column table.
4. Define the role or persona of the AI
- Why is this? The tone, vocabulary and technical level adjust instantly.
- How do we do it? "Act like a ...", "You are ...".
- Example: Answer as a lawyer specialising in employment law.
5. Define constraints (length, style, tone)
- Why is this? You retain control over the final form.
- How do we do it? Limit the number of words or characters and choose a style (humorous, formal, etc.).
- Example: Write an argument of no more than 200 words, in a user-friendly tone, with no jargon.
6. Provide the context or key information
- Why is this? The more the AI knows, the more relevant the answer.
- How do we do it? Give the source text, the objective, the audience, the figures...
- Example: Here's the text to summarise: [text], My aim is to convince investors, I've already explored this avenue...
7. Define constraints (length, style, tone)
- Why is this? You choose the most convincing version.
- How do we do it? Specify the number or nature of the variants.
- Example: 5 catchy headlines for an e-commerce newsletter.
8. Ask for variations or options
- Why is this? The AI carries out a clear and logical process.
- How do we do it? Number each operation.
- Example:
- Analyses attached CSV data.
- Identifies three key trends.
- Write a one-page report.
9. Indicate the target audience
- Why is this? The level of detail and the language register adapt.
- How do we do it? Clearly define the recipient.
- Example: Explain this concept as if to a 12-year-old child.
10. Test and refine your prompt
- Why is this? A prompt is perfected by iteration.
- How do we do it? Ask for rewording, clarify a section, add sources.
- Example: Improve paragraph 2 to make it more motivating, develop point X and add a recent statistic.
Follow these 10 best practices and your prompt will become a GPS for the AI... and its answers will be straight to the point!
