AI Best Practices
Learn how to effectively work with AI models using these best practices
Be Specific and Concise
Specify exactly what you want. Clear, direct language works better than vague requests.
Example:
Instead of 'Tell me about space', try 'Explain how black holes form and their key characteristics'.
Provide Context
Give background information about your task or problem. Context helps the AI understand your needs.
Example:
I'm writing a report for high school students about climate change. Explain the greenhouse effect in simple terms.
Use Step-by-Step Instructions
Break down complex requests into sequential steps. This helps the AI organize its response.
Example:
1. Explain what blockchain is. 2. Compare proof of work vs. proof of stake. 3. Discuss environmental concerns.
Define the Format
Specify the format you want the response in. This could be bullet points, a table, an essay, etc.
Example:
Create a table comparing the features of iOS and Android with the following rows: customization, app ecosystem, privacy, and performance.
Specify the Tone
Indicate the desired style or voice for the response, such as formal, casual, technical, or simple.
Example:
Explain quantum computing to me as if I'm a 10-year-old with no scientific background.
Use Delimiters
Use quotes, triple backticks, or other markers to separate parts of your prompt clearly.
Example:
Translate the following text to Spanish: """The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."""
Set Constraints
Define limitations such as word count, simplicity level, or inclusion/exclusion of certain information.
Example:
Write a product description for a wireless headphone in exactly 50 words. Focus on battery life and sound quality.
Use Chain-of-Thought Prompting
Ask the AI to explain its reasoning step by step to improve accuracy on complex problems.
Example:
Solve this math problem and explain each step of your thinking: If a store offers a 25% discount, and then applies a 10% coupon on the discounted price, what is the total percentage discount?
Provide Examples
Include examples of the kind of response you want. This is especially helpful for specific formats or styles.
Example:
Write a haiku about autumn following this structure - Line 1: 5 syllables, Line 2: 7 syllables, Line 3: 5 syllables. Example: 'Autumn leaves falling / Dancing in the gentle breeze / Nature's art on show'
Ask for Multiple Options
Request several alternatives or variations to choose from.
Example:
Generate three different introductions for a blog post about sustainable fashion, each with a different tone: academic, conversational, and persuasive.