Prompt Engineering Workshop

What is Prompt Engineering?

Prompt engineering is the art of crafting precise instructions to guide AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Bard to deliver accurate and relevant results. By mastering prompt writing, you can save time, get better outputs, and customize AI for your needs.

The Prompt Formula

When writing a prompt, use this simple formula:

1. Context
   Provide background information or a scenario to set the stage for the AI.
   Example:

   • "You are a financial advisor helping a young professional create a budget."

   • "Act as a teacher explaining algebra concepts to a 10th grader."

2. Wants and Constraints
   Clearly state what you need and any specific rules the AI must follow.
   Example:

   • "Draft a 150-word email inviting customers to a product launch."

   • "Avoid using technical jargon or overly complex language."

3. Format
   Define how you want the response to be structured.
   Example:

   • "Provide the output in bullet points with clear headings."

   • "Create a table comparing two options."

4. Audience
   Identify who the output is for, ensuring it aligns with their needs or interests.
   Example:

   • "This is for college students who are learning how to use GenAI tools."

   • "Write for small business owners with no technical background."

Examples of Well-Written Prompts

• Scenario: Creating a social media post for a bakery.
  Prompt: "You are a social media manager for a bakery. Write a cheerful Instagram post announcing a new chocolate croissant. Limit it to 150 characters and include a call-to-action to visit the store."

• Scenario: Summarizing a business article.
  Prompt: "Summarize this article in 100 words, focusing on the key takeaways for busy executives."

Activity Instructions

1. Group Exercise:

   • Break into small groups.

   • Each group will receive a scenario (e.g., writing a business email, summarizing a report, or planning a trip).

2. Craft a Prompt:
   Use the formula to create a clear and effective prompt for the given scenario.

3. Test Your Prompt:

   • Enter your prompt into a GenAI tool like ChatGPT.

   • Review the response: Does it meet your expectations?

4. Refine and Improve:

   • Adjust your prompt if the response isn’t accurate.

   • Experiment by adding or removing details.

5. Share Your Results:

   • Present your group's prompt and the AI's response to the class.

   • Discuss what worked well and any challenges you faced.

Tips for Writing Great Prompts

• Be specific: The more details you include, the better the AI can tailor the response.

• Use step-by-step instructions for complex tasks.

• Avoid ambiguity: Clearly state what you want and what to avoid.

• Experiment: Practice crafting different prompts to see how small changes affect the output.

Quick Practice Prompts

• "Write a LinkedIn post for a recent graduate in marketing looking for job opportunities."

• "Create a 3-day itinerary for a trip to New York City, focusing on budget-friendly activities."

• "Summarize a 2-page report on sales trends in under 50 words."

By the end of this activity, you’ll know how to write effective prompts and understand how to refine them for better results. Have fun experimenting and discovering the power of clear instructions!