GenAI can perform various tasks for us, but to achieve the best results and build innovative GenAI-based models incorporating proprietary data and applications, we must communicate effectively with it.
After recognizing the importance of prompt engineering and experimenting with different styles for many months, this article shares a simplified syntax that anyone can follow. As prompt engineering becomes a universal need and crucial body of knowledge, this article also aims to make prompt writing for Generative AI (GenAI) accessible to everyone.
This article and proposed syntax also include insights from my late father, a professor and chairman of Hindi and Linguistics in India. He used his research to teach by breaking down language constructs to uncover the origins and histories of related language families. His methods showed how dialects enhance children’s learning as they grow. This parallels the way we learn AI/ML: starting with familiar concepts and using them as a basis to discover innovative solutions and approaches.
What is Prompt Engineering?
Prompt engineering is the art of creating clear and specific instructions for AI. Think of it as giving directions to a friend who can help you with anything if you ask the right way. If you ask your friend, ‘What’s up?’ you might get a general answer. But if you ask, ‘Can you tell me how to make a chocolate cake?’ you’ll get the specific help you need.
Why is Prompt Engineering Important?
AI is intelligent, but it needs clear instructions to give the best answers. When we ask for something specific or clear, we might need help to get the help we want. But with a well-crafted prompt, AI can give us unique and valuable responses.
How to Create Good Prompts
Here’s a simple way to create good prompts, step by step:
1. Know Your Goal: What do you want from the AI? Be clear about what you need. Example: If you want a poem about spring, your aim is to get a short, pretty poem about the season.
2. Be Clear and Specific: Use simple and clear language to tell the AI precisely what you want. For example, instead of saying, ‘Tell me about spring,’ say, ‘Write a short poem about the beauty of spring.’
3. Give Context: Sometimes, adding extra information helps the AI understand better. Example: ‘Imagine you are a 19th-century poet. Write a short poem about the beauty of spring.’
4. Set Limits: If you want something in a certain way, let the AI know. Example: ‘Write a four-line poem about the beauty of spring, using words related to nature.’
5. Use Examples: Show the AI what you expect by giving an example. Example: ‘Write a four-line poem about the beauty of spring. For example: ‘Cherry blossoms bloom / Gentle breeze whispers / Springtime’s warm embrace.’
Proposed Syntax for Prompts
Here’s a simple syntax to follow to make prompt crafting even easier. This structure will help you cover all the necessary elements for an effective prompt:
<Context> + <Task> + <Constraints> + <Formatting> + <Example>
1. Context: Provide background information to set the stage for the AI. This helps the AI understand the scenario and generate relevant responses. Example: ‘Imagine you are a 19th-century poet.’
2. Task: Clearly define what you want the AI to do. Be specific about the task. Example: ‘Write a four-line poem about the beauty of spring.’
3. Constraints: Set any boundaries or limitations to guide the response. This ensures the output meets specific criteria. Example: ‘Using only words related to nature.’
4. Formatting: Indicate the desired format or style of the output if applicable. Example: ‘In the style of a haiku.’
5. Example: Provide an example if it helps clarify the expected output. Example: ‘Like this: ‘Cherry blossoms bloom / Gentle breeze whispers / Springtime’s warm embrace.’
Full Prompt Examples
Example 1: Poem about Spring
Imagine you are a 19th-century poet. Write a four-line poem about the beauty of spring, using only words related to nature. In the style of a haiku. Like this: ‘Cherry blossoms bloom / Gentle breeze whispers / Springtime’s warm embrace.’
Example 2: Business Idea for Healthcare
Considering the recent advancements in telemedicine and the increasing demand for remote healthcare services, suggest a new business idea for a healthcare startup. Focus on telemedicine and targeting rural areas. Provide a detailed description and potential benefits.
Example 3: Creative Story
Imagine you are writing a children’s bedtime story. Create a short story about a young dragon who discovers the power of kindness. The story should be engaging and include a moral lesson. Keep the story under 500 words.
Practice Crafting Prompts
Practice Prompt 1: Marketing Campaign
Context: Your task is to design a marketing campaign for a new eco-friendly product.
Task: Outline a marketing campaign strategy for launching new eco-friendly dog waste bags.
Constraints: The campaign should focus on social media platforms and target couples aged 27-35.
Formatting: Include a step-by-step plan with critical messages and hashtags.
Example: Provide a sample social media post.
Practice Prompt 2: Scientific Explanation
Context: Explain a scientific concept to a group of high school students.
Task: Explain the process of photosynthesis.
Constraints: Use simple language and relatable analogies.
Formatting: Structure the explanation in three paragraphs.
Example: Start with an analogy like ‘Photosynthesis is like a plant’s way of making food using sunlight.’
Tips for Effective Prompts
1. Clarity: Ensure your prompt is unambiguous.
2. Specificity: Be specific about what you want the AI to do.
3. Context: Provide enough context for the AI to understand the scenario.
4. Constraints: Use constraints to guide the AI and narrow the responses.
5. Iterate: Experiment with different prompt versions and refine them based on the responses.
Prompt engineering is like giving the proper instructions to a magical helper. When you know how to ask clearly and precisely, AI can do amazing things for you. Whether writing a poem, getting a recipe, or learning something new, mastering prompt engineering will make your interactions with AI more fun and rewarding. So go ahead, start practicing, and unlock the full potential of your AI helper!
