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How to write effective prompts for ChatGPT

In order to interact with AI services and get really good results, you need to be able to write an effective question or command – a so-called prompt. It can make all the difference between a clear and nuanced answer or a vague and irrelevant one. Here you get concrete tips and examples to learn how to get the most and best out of AI services like ChatGPT.

The key to successful interaction with AI

Last year, the AI service ChatGPT was launched, which took the public by storm. The underlying technology has been used by companies for a long time, but for the first time, it became understandable and useful for the general public. Since then, social media has been flooded with posts tagged “written by ChatGPT” to showcase the service’s excellence. However, the key to what it can achieve lies not only in the capacity of the technology, but in our ability to ask the right questions.

What is a prompt?

A prompt is an instruction or request that you give to the AI system to get a specific answer or result. It acts as a guidance for the AI’s response, and the quality of the answer often depends on how well your prompt is formulated.

Three things your prompt should include

To get as specific answers as possible, your prompt needs to include three important instructions:

1. Role – who should the AI act as?

Define the AI’s perspective or what expertise it should be based on.

Example: “Act as a gardener”

2. Task – what should the AI do?

Specify – as precisely as possible – what you want to know or need help with.

Example: “How do I take care of my climbing roses during winter?”

3. Format/recipient – in what way and for whom?

Specify the tone, complexity, and direction of the answer based on the target audience. You can also be specific in the number of words or ask to get the answer in, for example, the programming language Python. The model can’t count, but it gives an estimate of how long text you expect.

Example: “A person with no prior gardening experience“, “A text that is encouraging and inspiring”

Five examples of prompts

Act as a historian

“I am a middle school student and need to understand Sweden’s role during World War II for a school assignment. Can you help me with a brief overview?”

Act as a gardener

“I am completely new to gardening and would like some basic tips on how to take care of my geraniums.”

Act as an economist

“I have just started my first job and am unsure about the difference between gross salary and net salary. Can you explain it in a simple way?”

Act as a business strategy consultant

“I am the CEO of a newly established tech startup and am looking for ways to scale our operations in the European market. Can you provide some strategic recommendations?”

Act as a digital marketing expert

“We have recently launched a new product and want to maximize our online presence. What are the best methods for driving traffic to our website in the short term?”

En person iklädd grå t-shirt står och håller i en smartphone.

Guide – 9 steps to writing better prompts

Who should I be?

Explanation: Determines the expertise or tone AI should have when responding.

Good example: “Act as an experienced gardener.”

Bad example: “Talk about plants.”

What should I write?

Explanation: Specifies the format or type of content you want.

Good example: “Can you provide me with a short article about…”

Bad example: “Write something.”

What topic should I write about?

Explanation: Gives AI the subject area or specific information you want to explore.

Good example: “I need information on how to take care of cacti.”

Bad example: “Say something about plants.”

Who am I writing for?

Explanation: Provides context about the audience, helping AI tailor the response to the intended audience.

Good example: “Direct the text to beginners in gardening.”

Bad example: “To someone who likes flowers.”

What is the goal of the text?

Explanation: Specifies the reaction or action you want the response to encourage in the reader.

Good example: “The goal is for the reader to feel inspired to start gardening.”

Bad example: “Make it interesting.”

How long or short should the text/response be?

Explanation: Determines the length of the response, which can help keep it focused and relevant.

Good example: “Keep it within 200 words.”

Bad example: “Don’t write too much.”

What should I be inspired by, resemble, or not resemble?

Explanation: Provides guidelines for tone, style, and other specific aspects of the response, which can help meet specific creative requests.

Good example: “The tone should resemble the excerpt below, but avoid being too technical” and paste an excerpt of a text matching your desired tone.

Bad example: “Write like they do on gardening sites.”

Use English for technical queries

Although modern AI services can effectively handle multiple languages, English may sometimes yield better answers to technical or specialized subjects.

Practice and adjust

As with anything else: practice makes perfect. Use the service regularly, experiment with different formulations, and learn from the results. Practice on something you’re good at to understand the variation in responses.

A last tip along the way

You can seek assistance with questions in almost any area. Experiment to learn more about what the service can do. Even if the result isn’t 100% accurate, you may be inspired to find new perspectives or ways to express yourself. And remember – always fact-check with other sources. Not everything on the internet is true.

Example: ChatGPT as a children's book author

Prompt

Act as a children’s book author. Write a short story about a rabbit getting lost in the forest. Aimed at children aged 3-5. The goal is for the child to learn the importance of always telling someone where you are going. Keep it within 150 words. Inspired by classic children’s books like “Peter Rabbit”.

Result: Nils Rabbit and The Big Forest

Nils Rabbit loved adventures. One day, while his mom was cooking, he sneaked into the big forest without telling anyone. But the forest was bigger than Nils thought. Soon, he didn’t know where he was. “Help!” he shouted. “I’m lost!”

A kind squirrel heard his cries. “Nils,” said the squirrel, “you should always tell someone where you’re going.” With the squirrel’s help, Nils found his way home. He hugged his mom tightly. “Sorry,” said Nils. “Next time, I’ll tell you where I’m going.” Mom Rabbit smiled. “Good, Nils. It’s always safest that way.”

And Nils learned an important lesson that day.

Example: ChatGPT as a tourguide

Prompt

Act as a tour guide. Provide an overview of attractions in Stockholm. Aimed at tourists from abroad. The goal is to inspire visitors to explore the city. Keep it under 200 words. The tone should be inviting and enthusiastic.

Result: Explore Stockholm – The Jewel of the North!

Welcome to Stockholm – a blend of historic cobblestone streets and modern Scandinavian design! There’s something here for everyone!

Gamla Stan – Wandering through these narrow cobblestone alleyways, you’ll be transported back to medieval times. Don’t miss the majestic Royal Palace!

Vasa Museum – Marvel at the Vasa, the impressive 17th-century ship that sank on its maiden voyage and now stands resurrected in all its glory.

Skansen – Experience Sweden through the ages at this fascinating open-air museum. Animals, traditional buildings, and living history await!

ABBA Museum – Take a deep dive into Swedish pop history and feel the rhythm of ABBA’s timeless hits.

Djurgården – A green oasis in the heart of the city. Perfect for walks, picnics, or just relaxing by the water.

Fotografiska – Be inspired by some of the world’s best photo exhibitions in this modern setting with a fantastic view of the city.

Stockholm offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city spans fourteen islands, connected by 57 bridges, making every corner an adventure. Come and lose yourself in Stockholm!