ChatGPT Prompting Guide from OpenAI

1. Write Clear Instructions

Key Points:

• Include Relevant Details: Be specific about what you need. If it’s an essay, mention the topic and required length.
• Adopt a Persona: You can ask the AI to assume a specific role, like a tutor or a consultant, to suit your needs.
• Specify Tasks and Roles: Clearly state what you expect, whether it’s analyzing data, creating content, or solving a problem.
• Provide Examples: Giving examples can guide the AI in the direction you want.

Example Prompts:

1. “Explain <topic> in simple terms for a high school student.”
2. “Act as a <role> and give advice on <topic>.”
3. “Create a detailed plan for <task> as if you were a <role>.”
4. “List the steps for <task> in <specific format>.”
5. “Compare and contrast <topic A> and <topic B> in a professional report format.”
6. “Summarize the book <book title> in <number> paragraphs.”
7. “Write a <style> article about <topic>.”
8. “Draft a speech for a <event> on <topic>.”
9. “Provide a step-by-step tutorial on <skill or topic>.”
10. “Create a FAQ section for a website about <topic>.”
11. “Draft an email to <audience> explaining <topic>.”
12. “Outline a project proposal for <project idea>.”
13. “Compose a <style> review of <product/service>.”
14. “Develop a marketing strategy for <product/service>.”
15. “Analyze <data set or case study> and present findings in a report.”

2. Provide Reference Text

Key Points:

• Ask for Reference Text: If you need information on a specific topic, ask the AI to provide or use reference texts.
• Instruct for Citations: For academic or professional work, instruct the AI to include citations, making the information more reliable.

Example Prompt:

1. “Find and summarize three articles on <topic> from credible sources.”
2. “Provide a brief overview of <topic> using scholarly references.”
3. “List and describe three major studies on <topic>.”
4. “Explain <topic> and include citations from <specific field or author>.”
5. “Summarize the book <book title> and include key quotations.”
6. “Compare different viewpoints on <topic> from at least two sources.”
7. “Create an annotated bibliography for <topic>.”
8. “Detail the history of <topic> with references to primary sources.”
9. “Explain <scientific theory> and reference key scientific papers.”
10. “Provide a case study on <topic> with relevant citations.”
11. “Summarize the latest research findings on <topic> from academic journals.”
12. “Give a critical analysis of <literary work> with citations from literary critics.”
13. “Draft a report on <topic> using industry-specific sources.”
14. “Analyze <historical event> using primary and secondary sources.”
15. “Review <topic> and include expert opinions and references.”

3. Split Complex Tasks

Key Points:

• Use Intent Clarification: If a task is multifaceted, clarify your intent for each part.
• Summarize Long Tasks: Long or complex tasks should be summarized into manageable parts.
• Provide Summaries: Ask the AI to give summaries at each stage of the task to keep track of progress.

Example Prompt:

1. “Break down the process of <complex task> into manageable steps.”
2. “Start with an overview of <topic>, then delve into each key aspect.”
3. “For <project>, outline the initial steps, followed by detailed instructions for each.”
4. “Explain <concept> starting with a summary, then detailed explanations of each part.”
5. “Describe <event> in stages, providing a summary at each stage.”
6. “Develop a plan for <project> in phases, with a brief for each phase.”
7. “For <research topic>, start with general information, then focus on specific areas.”
8. “Outline the storyline of <book or movie>, summarizing each chapter or scene.”
9. “Teach <skill or topic>, beginning with basics, then advancing to complex concepts.”
10. “For <topic>, provide a brief introduction, then detailed analyses of key points.”
11. “Explain <scientific process>, starting with an overview, then detailing each step.”
12. “Analyze <case study>, starting with background, then specific analysis.”
13. “Present the evolution of <topic> over time, summarizing each key period.”
14. “For <technical process>, give an overview, then step-by-step instructions.”
15. “Discuss <philosophical concept>, beginning with a general overview, followed by an in-depth discussion of main ideas.”

4. Give the Model Time to Think

Key Points:

• Instruct Model to Take Time: Sometimes, a prompt that encourages the AI to ‘think’ can yield better results.
• Use Inner Monologue: Asking the AI to express its ‘thought process’ can add depth to its responses.
• Ask for Mistakes: Encourage the AI to identify any potential mistakes or uncertainties in its response.

Example Prompts:

1. “Take your time to analyze <topic> thoroughly.”
2. “Reflect on <topic> and provide a detailed response.”
3. “Consider all aspects of <issue> before responding.”
4. “Deliberate on <topic> and identify potential challenges.”
5. “Ponder over <question> and provide a well-thought-out answer.”
6. “Carefully examine <topic> and list possible solutions.”
7. “Contemplate on <scenario> and describe possible outcomes.”
8. “Take a moment to process <information> before summarizing.”
9. “Reflect deeply on <historical event> and its implications.”
10. “Think carefully about <literary work> and interpret its themes.”
11. “Carefully evaluate <business case> before providing recommendations.”
12. “Consider <ethical dilemma> and present a balanced argument.”
13. “Take time to understand <complex problem> before solving.”
14. “Deliberate on <artistic work> and discuss its artistic value.”
15. “Mull over <scientific theory> and explain it in layman’s terms.”

5. Adapt Strategies

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of prompts for various tasks.
• Be open to modifying your approach based on the AI’s responses.

Example Prompts:

1. “For a creative task like <task>, use an imaginative approach.”
2. “Adapt your response to suit a <specific audience> when discussing <topic>.”
3. “Switch to a more formal tone for an academic essay on <topic>.”
4. “Use a conversational style for explaining <topic> to beginners.”
5. “For a technical analysis of <topic>, use industry-specific jargon.”
6. “Adopt a persuasive tone for a speech on <topic>.”
7. “When discussing <sensitive topic>, use a sensitive and respectful approach.”
8. “For a humorous article on <topic>, incorporate witty remarks.”
9. “In a debate on <topic>, use a logical and argumentative strategy.”
10. “For a report on <topic>, use a clear and concise writing style.”
11. “In a review of <product/service>, use a critical yet fair approach.”
12. “Adapt your explanation of <scientific concept> for a young audience.”
13. “Use a narrative style for recounting the history of <topic>.”
14. “For a problem-solving task involving <issue>, use a methodical approach.”
15. “In a discussion about <artistic movement>, adopt an analytical perspective.”