Positive Change by Design
Back to top

Share This

Opinion

The Secret Sauce – Unlocking AI’s Full Potential

19 October 2023 — Liam Leighton
The Secret Sauce – Unlocking AI’s Full Potential

It’s 2023 and I can now welcome you to a fascinating world where having a chat with machines on a daily basis is not only all the rage but quickly becoming a personal and professional imperative.

You’ve no doubt heard by now about the magic word – "prompt" – it's like the secret sauce that makes AI do its thing. And let me tell you, getting that sauce just right can lead to some pretty cool results. In this article, I’ll guide you through the adventure of mastering the art and science of creating the perfect AI prompt.

So, when you're cooking up a prompt, here are the ingredients you might wanna toss in:

  • Persona Picture your AI as your friendly assistant, your go-to character.
  • Context Paint a picture, set the stage, and give your AI the lowdown.
  • Task Tell your AI exactly what you need it to do – no room for confusion!
  • Format Describe the type and shape of the answer you're after.
  • Example Show your AI what you want with an example or two.
  • Tone Let your AI know what vibe you're going for – serious, fun, or something in between.

Mix these elements together, and you're on your way to getting some awesome AI-generated content.

Now, to make sure your AI really gets what you're saying, here are some top tips:

  • Start with a Bang: Kick things off with a strong action word. Instead of saying, "Tell me about climate change," try, "Explain why climate change is a big deal."
  • Keep it Simple: Be crystal clear in your request so your AI knows exactly what you want.
  • Break it Down: If you're dealing with a big, complicated task, chop it up into smaller steps. It helps your AI work its magic step by step.

Follow these rules, and you're more likely to get AI answers that are not just good but awesome.

Now, let's talk about setting the scene. To make sure your AI knows what's going on, give it some context. Here are the basics:

  • Background: Tell your AI how we got here, what's been happening. Think of it as AI history class.
  • Success Checklist: Let your AI know what you'll consider a win. This sets the bar for quality.
  • The Scene: If there are any special rules or limits (like deadlines), make sure your AI knows the deal.

With these details, your AI can whip up answers that hit the bullseye.

And last but not least, let's talk about the AI's personality and setting some examples:

Your AI can be as creative as you want. Here's how to do it:

  • Creating a Persona: Make your AI pretend it's someone or something, setting the tone and style.
  • Getting Specific: Tailor your AI's character to suit the occasion.
  • Go Wild: For fun tasks, make your AI play a famous character. Instead of just asking to "Explain cryptocurrency regulations," try "Imagine you're a financial advisor and give me the lowdown on cryptocurrency regulations."

So, there you have it! Crafting effective AI prompts is all about finding the right mix of art and science. By nailing the task, context, and persona, you can boost your chances of getting AI results that are not just good but spectacular. Whether you're doing this for work or just for kicks, these guidelines will help you unlock your AI's full potential.

So go ahead, let your creativity flow, and let your AI prompts do their thing!

25 Years and counting...
Our History

25 Years and counting...

We are the most established digital experience and product development consultancy in the country. We help companies make the most of technology-fueled change by understanding human need and balancing it with deep technical capability - solving problems that create Positive Change.