Recommendations on creating better prompts for generative AI

Questions

• What are some tips for writing better prompts for generative AI?
• How can I improve the responses I get from generative AI?
• Why is my generated content not useful or relevant?

Environment

This knowledge base article is intended for anyone who uses generative AI tools such as Amplify AI, ChatGPT, and even our own Bowdoin bot, to create content, whether it be text, images, or other forms of media. If you're struggling to get meaningful or relevant content from these tools, paying attention to how you word your prompts can make a big difference.

Fun Fact: Bowdoin Bot, the chatbot found across the Support Portal, is a generative AI bot. Your results will benefit from using some of the recommendations found on this page.

Resolution

1. Be Clear and Specific: When you issue a command, the more specific you can be, the better. If you want a story about a dog, think about what kind of dog, what the story should include, or any particular setting. The more details you provide, the more likely the AI will give you the content you want.
   1. Example: Instead of saying "I'm looking for a classroom that seats 15 students", try asking "Provide me a list of 5 classrooms that can seat 15 people and has movable tables". If you ask this of the chatbot, you'll receive more useful results.
2. Set the Tone and Style: If you have a desired tone, such as humorous or formal, make sure to specify it in your prompt. Also, indicate the style or format, like a poem, an article, or a dialogue. This helps the AI understand the kind of output you anticipate.
3. Use Context and Examples: Providing background or examples in your prompt can guide the AI. For example, if you're asking for marketing content, mentioning your product or the target audience gives crucial context to tailor the response effectively.
4. Ask AI to ask you clarifying questions: Many AI tools have the ability to ask you questions to yield better results
   1. Example prompt: "Tell me about the state of Maine. Ask me clarifying questions to help focus on what information I want to receive."

By carefully framing your prompts with these tips in mind, you can significantly enhance the quality and relevance of the outputs from generative AI systems.