Tips for Giving Effective Instructions to Generative AI

When you ask AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini a question, sometimes you don’t get the answer you were hoping for.

In fact, the way you write the “prompt” — the instruction you give to the AI — can greatly affect the quality of the answer.

Here, we’ll break down 7 tips for writing better prompts.

1. First, Learn the Official Tips

Companies that develop AI (such as OpenAI or Google) have published guidelines on how to give good instructions. Key points include:

• Give clear and specific instructions
• Assign the AI a role (e.g., “You are a history teacher”)
• Provide background and purpose (why you need the answer)
• Decide the output format (table, bullet points, paragraphs, etc.)
• Write rules the AI should follow (e.g., “Explain so middle school students can understand”)
• Show examples (“Write it like this”)
• Use natural, conversational language

2. Have the AI Write the Prompt for You

You don’t have to create prompts from scratch. Just tell the AI, “Turn this into a good prompt.” If it’s not quite right, say “Make it according to the official tips” and it will improve.

3. Create a Dedicated Prompt-Making AI

Once you’ve fine-tuned a format you like, you can make a custom AI (Custom GPT or Custom Gemini) dedicated to writing prompts in that style. This way, you’ll always get consistent prompt quality.

4. Use Frameworks

When generating text or ideas, using structured “frameworks” can make the content more organized.

• For writing: the “PREP” method, etc.
• For brainstorming: the “SCAMPER” method, etc.

If you’re not sure which framework to use, ask the AI — it can suggest one.

5. Specify Structure and Formatting

Details like “Add headings” or “Summarize in a table” make responses more readable. This is less about accuracy and more about improving visual clarity.

6. Give Feedback Repeatedly

You’ll rarely get a perfect answer in one try. If something is wrong, say “This part is incorrect” or “Make it longer,” and keep refining. This back-and-forth feedback is key to improving quality.

7. Use Voice Input

Typing feedback repeatedly can be tiring. With voice input, you can say things like “This is wrong” or “Remove line 2” casually, making the process faster and easier.

Summary

• Good prompts are specific, role-based, include background, format, rules, examples, and natural tone
• You can have AI write the prompt for you
• Frameworks and formatting improve quality and readability
• Multiple rounds of feedback refine results
• Voice input makes the process easier to sustain