The use of Artificial Intelligence is growing rapidly. Do you feel left out? Do you struggle with figuring out how to use AI? The first few attempts may feel clunky and if AI produces a product with errors, you may really start to doubt the practicality of using it. It may even remind you of early versions of spell check where the computer tells you everything is fine, but you know there is a spelling error. Here are some quick tips that will help your prompt skills and make AI work better for you.
AI tools like ChatGPT depend on your input to determine the quality of the product. As the quality of the prompt improves, so does the quality of the product. Here are some quick tips that will help improve your prompt writing skills:
- Be descriptive. Describe the task- in terms of content and perspective such as what role do you want ChatGPT to fulfill with expertise in what areas.
- Define the question. What is the task that you want ChatGPT to perform? Use verbs such as organize, summarize, analyze, differentiate, etc..
- Identify the feeling. What feelings need to be included? Should it be persuasive, empathetic, concerning, supportive, etc.? Ask ChatGPT to include these feelings and you can ask it to include more or less of those feelings as it revises.
- Include the audience. The prompt should define the audience in characteristics, not just as a parent, community member, or some other title, but with descriptors that fill out the picture. Think about tying this to the feelings you identified as part of the prompt.
- Define the format and tone. Defining the format and tone you want helps ensure the product is styled in the manner you desire. Are you looking for active voice, casual, professional or other descriptors of tone and format?
Once you have the prompt submitted, ChatGPT can still work for you.
- Tell ChatGPT “This is pretty good, but I think you can do better. Please improve it.”
- Ask what you are missing.
- Ask it what you can do to improve your prompt so it’s better?
- Ask ‘what suggestions do you have for improvement?’
- For fun, ask ChatGPT to turn your request into a song or poem.
AI is a powerful tool that, when used effectively, can be incredibly beneficial. While concerns about its role in business and education are valid, there are also numerous instances where AI proves to be both valuable and impactful.
MREA featured expert-led AI sessions at the 2024 Greater Education Summit and is expected to offer new AI sessions at the 2025 Summit. Save the date for the 2025 Greater Education Summit, happening November 16-18!
