The future of work with generative AI is collaborative. generative AI can enhance human work, provide insights derived from large datasets, and automate routine aspects of jobs. One way it can do this is through its nuanced language processing ability: AI models like Chat GPT can compose emails, outline articles, write social media posts, and much more.
However, there’s one caveat: generative AI’s output is only as good as the input we give it. If you ask a bare-bones question, generative AI will respond with a bare-bones answer. Half of the challenge in effectively using AI is learning how to communicate with it.
So the question is: How can we prompt generative AI like Chat GPT and Google Bard to sound more human in their responses?
Let’s discuss.
Tips for Writing Effective Prompts
Writing effective prompts to make generative AI sound more human involves a blend of clarity, specificity, and creativity. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Be Specific and Detailed: Clearly state what you need. Instead of saying, “write a story,” specify the genre, setting, characters, and plot elements you desire. For example: “Write a sci-fi story about a time-traveling detective solving a mystery in 25th-century Tokyo.”
- Use Conversational Language: Phrase your prompts as if you’re speaking to a human. This can help in generating responses that are more natural. For instance, “Can you explain how photosynthesis works in simple terms, as if you’re teaching a 10-year-old?”
- Incorporate Context and Background Information: Provide relevant context to guide the generative AI’s response. For instance, “I’m giving a presentation about renewable energy. Can you provide an overview of solar power technology, focusing on recent advancements?”
- Specify the Tone or Style: If you want the response in a particular tone or style, mention it. For example, “Write a motivational speech for high school graduates, with an inspiring and upbeat tone.”
- Ask for Examples or Analogies: This makes the AI’s responses more relatable and easier to understand. For example, “Can you explain quantum computing using a simple analogy?”
- Encourage Creativity or Humor: If appropriate, prompt the generative AI to be creative or humorous. For example, “Write a short, funny story about a cat who thinks it’s a superhero.”
- Request Step-by-Step Explanations: For educational or technical topics, asking for a step-by-step approach can make the information more digestible. For example, “Explain the process of making French bread in a detailed, step-by-step guide.”
- Incorporate Current or Relevant Information: If you’re discussing a topic that’s evolving or has recent developments, mention it. For example, “Can you provide the latest updates on the Mars rover mission?”
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: If you want a well-rounded view, ask the generative AI to consider different perspectives. For example, “Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of remote work from both an employee’s and an employer’s perspective.”
- Set Parameters for Creative Work: When asking for creative content, define parameters such as length, format, or key elements to include. For example, “Write a poem about autumn in a haiku format.”
By following these guidelines, you can craft prompts that lead to more human-like, relevant, and engaging responses from generative AI.
An Important Note on Sectioning
Just like humans, AI works better with small chunks of text at a time. Rather than prompting generative AI to write an entire 2,000-word article in one go, you’ll get better results by asking it to compose an article section by section.
Generative AI Prompts for Specific Purposes
Using AI to help you write something is a lot like using a calculator to help you solve a math problem.
Just as a calculator requires you to enter the correct equation and variables, a generative AI needs clear, specific prompts to produce the best possible content.
This analogy extends to understanding that, much like how a calculator doesn’t teach you the underlying math concepts, AI doesn’t inherently provide a deeper understanding of the nuances of creative or informative writing. However, both tools, when used effectively, can significantly enhance productivity and accuracy.
Here are a few suggested prompts to get you started on specific projects while working with AI:
1. Informative Articles
“Write an informative and engaging article for [Your Company’s Name]’s website about [Specific Topic or Product]. The article should be tailored for an audience primarily consisting of [Target Audience], with a focus on [Key Aspect or Feature]. Please include current and relevant information, highlighting recent advancements or updates in the field. The tone should be [Desired Tone, e.g., professional, friendly, authoritative], and it should incorporate a conversational style to make it more relatable.
Start with a brief introduction that outlines the [Topic or Product], why it’s important, and its relevance to our audience. In the main body, provide a detailed explanation, using examples or analogies to clarify complex concepts. Discuss both the benefits and potential challenges, offering a balanced perspective.
Include a section on how [Your Company’s Name] addresses these challenges or utilizes these benefits, linking back to our services or products. To enhance the article’s appeal, add a touch of creativity or humor where appropriate, without deviating from the factual content.
Conclude with a summary of key points and a call-to-action that encourages readers to explore more about [Topic/Product] on our website or contact us for further information. Keep the article concise, ideally within [Specify Word Count] words.”
2. Marketing Emails
“Compose a persuasive and engaging marketing email for [Your Company’s Name], targeting our audience of [Specify Target Audience, e.g., young professionals, parents, small business owners]. The email’s main focus should be on promoting our latest [Product/Service], which offers [Briefly Describe Key Features or Benefits].
Start with a catchy subject line that encapsulates the essence of the message and encourages the recipient to open the email. The opening should be attention-grabbing, possibly starting with a question, a surprising fact, or a relatable statement that resonates with our target audience.
In the body of the email, provide a concise yet compelling description of the [Product/Service], highlighting how it addresses specific needs or problems faced by the audience. Use a friendly and conversational tone, making the content accessible and engaging. Include testimonials or user reviews, if available, to build trust and credibility.
Introduce a special offer or promotion related to the [Product/Service], such as a discount, a free trial, or an exclusive bonus for a limited time. This should create a sense of urgency, encouraging the reader to act promptly.
Incorporate a clear and direct call-to-action (CTA) that guides the reader on what to do next, whether it’s visiting a website, making a purchase, or contacting us for more information. The CTA should stand out visually in the email.
Conclude with a brief, friendly closing that reiterates the value of the [Product/Service] and thanks the reader for their time. Ensure the email is visually appealing, with a balanced use of text and images, and is optimized for both desktop and mobile viewing.
The overall length of the email should be concise, ideally within [Specify Word Count], to maintain the reader’s attention. Include any necessary disclaimers or legal information required for marketing communications.”
3. Product Descriptions
“Create a detailed and appealing product description for [Your Company/Product Name]’s latest [Specify Product Type, e.g., tech gadget, skincare product, sports equipment]. The description should be tailored to attract our target audience, which primarily consists of [Specify Target Audience, e.g., tech enthusiasts, beauty aficionados, fitness lovers].
Begin with an engaging opening sentence that highlights the unique selling point or most innovative feature of the [Product]. This should immediately capture the interest of the potential customer.
Follow this with a detailed section that elaborates on the key features and benefits of the [Product]. Specify [List Key Features, e.g., technical specifications, ingredients, materials used], and explain how each feature benefits the user. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon unless it is commonly understood by the target audience.
Include practical information such as the size, weight, available colors, or any variations of the [Product]. Also, mention any compatible accessories or complementary products if applicable.
Incorporate a paragraph that sets the [Product] apart from competitors. This could be a unique design element, a proprietary technology, or an environmental sustainability aspect. Use persuasive language to convince the reader of the superiority of the [Product] in its category.
Towards the end, add user-friendly information such as warranty details, return policy, and any special offers or discounts currently available for the [Product].
Conclude with a call-to-action that encourages the reader to make a purchase or to learn more about the [Product], directing them to the website or a specific landing page.
Ensure that the tone of the description aligns with the overall branding of [Your Company/Product Name], whether it’s professional, playful, luxurious, or eco-conscious. The total length of the description should be appropriate for [Specify Where It Will Be Used, e.g., online store page, brochure], ideally within [Specify Word Count or Character Limit].”
4. Creative Stories
“Write a creative story set in [Specify Setting, e.g., a futuristic city, an ancient kingdom, a small modern town]. The main character should be [Describe Main Character, including occupation, personality traits, and a unique characteristic]. The story begins with [Describe an Initial Event or Situation, e.g., a mysterious discovery, an unexpected encounter, a significant challenge].
The genre is [Specify Genre, e.g., science fiction, fantasy, mystery], and the tone should be [Specify Tone, e.g., suspenseful, humorous, whimsical]. Incorporate a secondary character who contrasts with the main character in [Specify Aspect, e.g., personality, background, worldview] to add depth to the narrative.
Include a central conflict or problem that the main character must navigate, possibly involving [Specify a Theme or Element, e.g., a moral dilemma, an adventurous quest, a personal transformation]. Use vivid descriptions and dialogues to bring scenes to life, and weave in [Specify a Specific Element, e.g., a twist, an unusual setting detail, a specific type of technology or magic] to enhance the uniqueness of the story.
As the story progresses, include a climax where the main character faces [Specify a Key Moment or Decision]. Finally, conclude the story with a resolution that ties up the narrative threads, leaving room for [Specify Desired Ending Style, e.g., an open-ended conclusion, a definitive resolution, a hint at a sequel].
The story should be engaging and imaginative, appealing to [Specify Target Audience, e.g., young adults, children, general readership], and should be approximately [Specify Word Count or Number of Pages] long.”
5. Educational Content
“Create a comprehensive lesson plan on [Specify Topic, e.g., Photosynthesis] for [Specify Grade Level, e.g., 8th Grade] students. The material should be at an [Specify Difficulty Level, e.g., intermediate] level, engaging, and align with [Specify Education Standards, if applicable]. Include key concepts like [List Key Points, e.g., the process of photosynthesis, its importance in ecosystems, and the role of sunlight]. Use a mix of explanatory text, diagrams, and interactive activities to aid learning. Additionally, provide a brief quiz at the end to assess understanding of the topic.”
6. Research and Information Gathering
“Conduct a comprehensive overview of [Specify Topic, e.g., renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment]. The focus should be on [Specify Particular Angles or Questions, e.g., comparing the efficacy of different renewable sources, their environmental benefits, and challenges in implementation]. Provide a balanced view with recent statistics, case studies, and expert opinions. The summary should be suitable for an audience with [Specify Audience, e.g., a general interest in environmental issues], and should be structured to include an introduction, main findings, and a conclusion summarizing the key takeaways.”
Each of these prompts is tailored to provide the generative AI with a clear understanding of the task at hand, ensuring the output is relevant, detailed, and appropriate for the intended purpose and audience.
As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to feed the generative AI smaller pieces of a prompt at a time for a more detailed and nuanced response.
The key to harnessing the full potential of generative AI lies in our ability to communicate effectively with these sophisticated systems. By crafting well-thought-out prompts that are clear, specific, and creatively inspired, we can guide AI to produce outputs that are not only technically proficient but also imbued with a touch of human-like nuance and relatability. As we continue to explore the vast possibilities of AI in various fields, it is essential to remember that these tools are here to augment our capabilities, not replace them.
At D-Kode Technology, we understand the transformative power of AI and are committed to leveraging its potential to enhance your business strategies and solutions. Whether you’re looking to create compelling content, streamline your operations, or gather insightful data, our expertise in AI can help you achieve these goals with greater efficiency and creativity. Let’s embrace the future of AI together — contact D-Kode Technology today to discover how we can help you unlock new possibilities and drive innovation in your business.
