In my previous articles, I've covered the basics of how to issue effective prompts to ChatGPT. Today, I'm elevating the conversation. I'll share seven advanced techniques that have significantly improved my interactions with ChatGPT and other generative AI tools.
1. Be Specific with Output Formats
When I interact with ChatGPT, I've learned to be very specific about the format in which I want the answer. It's like giving an assignment to a student and specifying how it should be turned in. For example, if I'm asking for a list of the longest highways in the U.S., I specify that I want the top four listed in bullet form.
2. Utilize HTML Formatting
I've discovered that I can ask ChatGPT to format its output in HTML. This is incredibly useful when I want to incorporate the AI's response into a web page. For instance, I can ask for the longest U.S. highways and request the data be presented as an HTML table.
3. Don't Hesitate to Iterate
I often find myself iterating with ChatGPT to get the exact result I want. It's a process, but the more specific I am, the better the output. This iterative approach can be applied to any AI-powered features to fine-tune the results you get.
4. Longer Prompts Can Be Better
Through trial and error, I've found that longer, more specific prompts yield better results. It's about giving the AI enough context to fully understand what you're asking. This could be especially useful in a business setting where you're using AI to transcribe and summarize meetings.
5. Set Explicit Constraints
I've learned the value of setting explicit constraints when I want to limit the AI's response. For example, I can specify the number of words or characters I want in the answer. This is something to consider when using AI-driven features to ensure you get concise and relevant information.
6. Be Mindful of Word and Character Counts
One thing I've noticed is that ChatGPT doesn't always adhere to word or character counts. So, I've learned to experiment with different limiting terms. This is crucial when you're using AI to summarize content.
7. Let the AI Evaluate Its Answers
Lastly, I've found it beneficial to let the AI evaluate its own responses. This "breathing room" often leads to more accurate answers. It's a technique that could be integrated into any AI functionalities to improve accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of ChatGPT prompts isn't something that happens overnight. It took me several tries to get it right, but the effort was worth it. These advanced techniques can not only improve your interactions with AI but also enhance features in any AI-powered platform.
So, if you're looking to level up your AI interactions, whether for personal use or within a team collaboration tool, these tips are a great place to start.
