How do I write effective prompts for AI assistants?

Answered

Treat prompting as a conversation. For everyday tasks, be specific about what you want, who it is for, format and background. For complex work, use frameworks such as RACE, GCSE, CRIT or PICSE, and chain multi-step tasks with human review between steps. Always check outputs for accuracy. You can also reuse verified prompts from the Knowledge Hub Prompt library (treat unverified prompts with caution).

From the guidance

Primary (how) AI Knowledge Hub: Experimenting with prompts

To write a good prompt: be specific about what you want - use direct language and action words like 'write', 'analyse', 'create' or 'list'; be specific about who it's for - describe your audience and their background so the AI uses the right tone and level of detail; be specific about the format - word count, structure (email, bullet points, table) and tone; give relevant background - include details the AI needs to give you a useful answer.

Section: Write simple prompts for everyday tasks

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Primary (how) AI Knowledge Hub: Experimenting with prompts

You can structure detailed prompts using frameworks to help you remember what information to include. Use the RACE framework for focused tasks. Use the GCSE framework when you have source documents. Use the CRIT framework for strategic or creative tasks. Use the PICSE framework for iterative workflows.

Section: Write detailed prompts for complex tasks

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Secondary (normative) AI Knowledge Hub: Experimenting with prompts

Always check AI output for accuracy, as it can give false information, outdated details or biased outputs.

Section: Experimenting with prompts

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Secondary (normative) AI Knowledge Hub: Prompt library

'Verified' prompts have been reviewed and approved by professionals in their subject. Unverified prompts have not, so use them with caution. You must still check all prompt results for accuracy, as AI can make mistakes.

Section: Important

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