Here are some guidelines on how to write an effective prompt:
DOs
- Be specific and clear about what you want, including desired output format, length, or style
Example: Make the width of the table 100% and change all the cells' widths to %
- Use examples to illustrate the kind of response you're looking for
Example: Rephrase the text to apply to a helicopter operator
- Break complex requests into smaller, more focused prompts
Example: Add a full height column to the left. Make it light green and 4% wide. Add vertical text "Label" in bold. Use the same outer border style as the rest of the table. - Specify step-by-step instructions for multi-part requests
Example:
1. Reorder the list in Alphabetical order
2. Remove the commas at the end of each item
3. Change the bullet point to circle - Include relevant details that would influence the response
Example: Leave the first 2 paragraphs as they are. For the last 4 paragraphs: organize them in a table with 3 columns with the headings Risk level, Description and Action required. Add collapsed borders to the table.
DON'Ts
- Don't be vague with requests like "Create a table"
- Don't assume prior context from previous conversations
- Don't overload a single prompt with too many different requests
- Don't use ambiguous language that could be interpreted in multiple ways
- Don't provide contradictory instructions within the same prompt
- Don't expect mind-reading - be explicit about what you need
Don't omit your goal for the response, as this helps shape the most useful answer
Example: Rearrange the content to increase readability and to make it clearer for a stressed reader