Prompting fundamentals

Source: OpenAI Blog

Introduction

Prompt engineering is the process of designing and refining your input so that ChatGPT can give the best possible answer. It’s about figuring out how to ask to get the result you want—whether that’s a clear summary, comprehensive report, or detailed analysis. ChatGPT works best when you give it clear instructions.

There’s no single “perfect” way to write a prompt. Think of it as a conversation with a colleague, where you might need to adjust your phrasing or tone to help them understand what you need. Experimentation and iteration are the most effective ways to discover how AI can be most useful to you.

How to Write Effective Prompts

Be Clear About the Task

Outline what you want, who it’s for, and why it matters.
Tip: Use an action verb, like “plan,” “draft,” or “research.”

• Help me plan a trip itinerary for Prague in September 2026.
• Summarize last quarter’s sales results and suggest marketing strategies for next quarter.

Provide Relevant Context

Add any background or documentation that will help, including external sources like files, images, or documents. Learn more about working with files or apps.

• I’m traveling with my 2‑year‑old, who loves trains, and we want to use public transportation as much as possible.
• Use data from our attached Q2 sales report.

Specify the Desired Output

Tell ChatGPT how you want the response. Include details like tone, format, length, audience, and any constraints so the output matches your needs.

• Create a table with activities for 7 days, ensuring time for transportation between each activity.
• Write it as a formal executive summary.

Practical Exercise

Open ChatGPT (opens in a new window) and try out the three prompts below. Notice how the model responds, then tweak your prompt to add more context or guidance.

Best Practices

• Break big tasks into smaller steps – If your request has multiple parts, split it up. This makes it easier for ChatGPT to give clear, focused answers.
• Be specific, but keep it simple – More detail can improve the response, but focus on what matters most. Too much extra information can sometimes make the answer less helpful.
• Ask for options – If you want choices, say so. Example: “Suggest two different ways to present this report.”
• Set priorities – Let ChatGPT know what matters most to you—accuracy, creativity, speed, or something else.