While AI tools and their use in content creation are no longer groundbreaking, it’s surprising how many people still struggle to craft effective prompts. Many users treat AI like a simple Google search, which limits the value they can gain from it. To make full use of the effectiveness of AI, mastering the art of querying is key.
Here are some simple tips that you can help you master querying:
Be precise
Vague or broad queries often lead to incomplete or irrelevant responses. Effective prompts provide AI with detailed and specific information. The more context and clarity you include, the more accurate and useful the AI’s response will be.
It’s also important to use structured and simple language, as AI performs best when given logical, error-free input. Providing context, setting boundaries and offering examples or templates can further refine the results.
For instance, rather than asking for generic advice, adding specific constraints like word count, tone, or audience focus can dramatically improve the quality of the response. For example:
Generalised:
Provide a summary of the causes of traffic accidents.
Specific:
I want to learn about the causes of traffic accidents in New Zealand. Give me the most important 20% of learnings that will help me understand the 80%.
OR
Provide a 300-word summary of research findings on the causes of road traffic accidents in New Zealand summarised for a senior high school audience. Include citations.
Prompting is an iterative process
Using AI isn’t just about submitting a prompt; it’s part of a cycle.
If you don’t get the results you’re looking for, try experimenting with different phrasings or approaches to the same question. Asking follow-up questions based on the AI’s initial output can help refine the response further.
The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself why the response is not right. What’s missing? Where has it gone off track? Then reframe your query, being specific about the missing ingredient.
Also consider using prompt generators – tools that help you generate the best prompts for the output you’re looking for. Here is a list of common ones. https://www.getguru.com/reference/ai-prompt-generator
Critical thinking is always required
While AI can assist in learning, it isn’t flawless. AI systems are known to ‘hallucinate,’ meaning they sometimes generate information that appears plausible but is factually incorrect or misleading.
It’s important to critically assess the accuracy of the AI’s responses and verify them against trusted sources or your own knowledge to ensure reliability.
This training module is for university students, but it has great practical advice and examples relevant for most AI uses.
AI querying is like all crafts, the most you practice and experiment the better your results and the easier it becomes.