Prompt Writing 101

The basics for writing prompts that get you quality output

This week, we take a break from detailed tutorials and get down to basics so that you’re equipped to get the most out of your preferred AI tool, no matter the task.

• We’re going to look at prompt writing 101.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a strong understanding of what it takes to write prompts that give you quality output on the first go, with tested prompt frameworks you can come back to often.

Let’s ease into it.

What is prompt engineering?

• When we try a prompt, assess its effectiveness, refine it through trial and error until we get effective output.

The prompts I’ve shared in previous tutorials came about through prompt engineering. Pretty much me spending hours rewriting prompts until they gave me what I needed.

I’ve often found that my first attempt at a prompt doesn’t get me what I need. When that happens, there are different ways I can improve the prompt:

1. Add additional descriptors.

2. Rephrase

3. Provide examples

4. Tell the AI what role I want it playing.

5. Or just start over.

Prompt engineering matters because if you can master it, you’ll be able to get so much more out of AI in your daily workflow. It’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a super power. Good prompts = good output. Quality in, quality out.

What makes a good prompt?

Good prompts are made of six critical components: