AI tools · Prompting
Build a strong prompt
Turn a vague request into clear instructions and a usable result.
4 min read · General educational guidance
- State the task, intended reader and the decision or action the result should support.
- Add the necessary context, constraints, source material and examples of the desired style.
- Specify the output format, length and quality checks, then refine one weakness at a time.
Practical example
Instead of “write about cybersecurity,” ask: “Create a 600-word introduction to phishing for new employees. Use plain English, include five warning signs, add a verification checklist, and mark any claim that needs a current source.”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiding the real goal behind an elaborate role or persona.
- Requesting a polished final answer without providing the facts that must remain unchanged.
- Changing five prompt variables at once, making improvements hard to diagnose.
Trusted sources and next reading
AI can be confidently wrong. Verify important facts, calculations, citations and professional decisions.