Using GenAI tools effectively requires that the user know the right questions to ask, and how to phrase them for the best results. Vague or generic questions generate vague or generic results.
Tips for crafting prompts to get the best results from chatbots:
- Use the CLEAR Framework
- Concise
- Logical
- Explicit
- Adaptive
- Reflective
- Be specific about the format of the output - number of words or paragraphs, writing style or tone, reading level, formatting such as bullet points, a table, html, css, etc.
- Instruct the chatbot to take on an expert role: for example, "act as a mathematician" or "take on the role of a professional news blogger" or "I want you to act as a Linux terminal."
- Provide the chatbot with examples or a reference text.
- Split complex tasks into simpler subtasks.
- Beware hallucinations, or the chatbot confidently stating incorrect or made up information. If you are unfamiliar with the topic, check the chatbot's work. Treat the chatbot like a brand new assistant who is eager to please but doesn't know what they don't know. ChatGPT and other chatbots are notorious for making up citations to sources that simply do not exist.
