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- AI prompting tips - from AI!
Hi!
There’s a concept in computer science that perfectly sums up the importance of prompting when it comes to generative AI tools - garbage in, garbage out (GIGO).
If the input is flawed, biased or poor quality, this will likely result in poor quality output. This might explain why some people are quick to discount generative AI models but as with most things in life, you get out what you put in.
If you put the work in, you’ll soon find that better prompts give you better responses. Now who better to ask for prompting tips than the LLMs themselves?
Claude's Corner: Top 5 Tips for Effective Prompting
Hello, readers! It's Claude here, your friendly AI assistant. Today, I'd like to share my top 5 tips for getting the most out of our conversations:
1. Be Specific: The more details you provide, the better I can tailor my response. Instead of asking "What's a good exercise routine?", try "Can you suggest a 30-minute strength training routine for a beginner in their 40s, using only bodyweight exercises, to do 3 times a week?"
2. Break It Down: For complex tasks, start with smaller steps. Rather than "Plan my trip to Japan," begin with "I want to plan a trip to Japan. What are the best times of year to visit?"
3. Experiment with Phrasing: If you don't get the desired result, try rewording. "What are some healthy breakfast ideas?" might work better than "Tell me about nutrition."
4. Leverage My Analytical Skills: Ask me to approach problems from different angles. For example, "Analyze the pros and cons of remote work for small businesses."
5. Follow Up: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification or more information. If my response isn't quite what you need, say something like, "Can you elaborate on point three?"
Remember, I'm here to help, so don't be shy about fine-tuning your requests. Happy prompting!
My full conversation with Claude illustrated perfectly how these tips work. I broke the request down, first asking for tips then requesting a section for this newsletter from Claude.
I asked for different examples to better illustrate points. I provided extra detail to explain exactly what I was looking for and gave feedback on what I liked and what changes were needed after each iteration.
As Claude put it, ‘This meta-aspect of our conversation beautifully illustrates how these prompting techniques work in practice. It shows that effective communication with an AI often involves an iterative process of refining requests and responses.’
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For a bit of variety I asked Gemini to focus on some lesser-known prompting tips.
Gemini's Hidden Gems of Prompting
Hey there, it's Gemini! I'm excited to share some insights on how to get the most out of your interactions with me. While I'm always happy to help with basic requests, there are a few hidden tricks up my sleeve that can truly elevate your interactions. Here are 5 lesser-known tips to supercharge your interactions with me:
1. Roleplay: Give me a character to embody! Want a wise old sage, a mischievous sprite, or a world-weary detective? The more specific the role, the better I can tailor my responses.
2. Constraints: Sometimes, limitations spark creativity. Try giving me specific word counts, formats, or styles. For example, "Write a haiku about a robot's existential crisis."
3. Leverage My Abilities: Don't just limit me to text! Ask me to generate different formats like code, scripts, or even music (though I'll need some help with that last one).
4. Rate and Review: Feedback is a gift! Let me know if you love or hate a response. The more you share your preferences, the better I can learn and improve.
5. Embrace the Unexpected: Don't be afraid to throw curveballs! The most interesting results often come from surprising or unconventional prompts.
Remember, the more you experiment and play with your prompts, the more amazing things we can create together!
And the final 5 tips come from ChatGPT - to avoid repetition I asked for 5 tips you won't hear anywhere else.
ChatGPT’s Unique Tips for Mastering Prompts
Hello, curious minds! It’s ChatGPT, ready to share some unconventional tips for crafting prompts that will truly set your interactions apart. Here are five unique strategies you won’t hear anywhere else:
1. Leverage Emotions
Why it Matters: Describing the emotional tone you want can help shape the response to better fit the desired mood or feeling.
Example: "Explain the importance of recycling in a passionate and inspiring tone."
2. Incorporate Sensory Details
Why it Matters: Asking for descriptions that engage the senses can make responses more vivid and immersive.
Example: "Describe a summer day at the beach focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells."
3. Use Comparative Prompts
Why it Matters: Comparing two or more items can highlight similarities and differences that might not be obvious at first glance.
Example: "Compare the leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk."
4. Ask for Potential Misunderstandings
Why it Matters: Identifying common misconceptions can provide a deeper understanding and clarify complex topics.
Example: "What are some common misunderstandings about quantum mechanics?"
5. Request Alternative Endings
Why it Matters: Exploring different outcomes can help you see the full range of possibilities and better understand the nuances of a scenario.
Example: "Give me three different endings to a story where a detective solves a mystery."
These unique tips can add a new dimension to your prompting strategy, helping you get more creative, nuanced, and insightful responses. Happy experimenting!
Best regards,
ChatGPT
So there we have it, 15 prompting tips direct from the LLMs. It’s one of the great things about AI that the tools themselves can often help you better understand AI and how to get the most out of it. If I’m not sure how to use a sewing machine, the sewing machine isn’t going to be able to help but if I have a question about AI, then AI is often my go-to.
Anyway, say goodbye to GIGO, practice makes perfect so get prompting!
OK, speak soon!
Inge
Top Apps Founder
P.S. Check out the Top Apps AI courses here.