As they get progressively better, the potential of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) is starting to be recognised by more and more people, including writers. The secret to making the most of an AI lies not in the complexity of the technology itself, but in how you communicate with them. This article aims to introduce beginners to the art of designing prompts that lead to high-quality text that’s on point.
Prompt engineering
Prompt engineering is the process of formulating questions and statements to guide AI models like ChatGPT, Mistral and Grok to generate useful text outputs that meet your expectations. A well-thought-out prompt will improve the relevance, accuracy and quality of the generated content. Clarity and specificity are paramount; they are the foundation upon which GPT understands and fulfils your writing needs.
Three practical tips to memorise
Creating effective prompts involves more than just asking a question; it requires a thorough understanding of your goals and the context in which you are asking GPT to perform. Here are some practical basics to get you started:
- Be specific: Instead of asking “Tell me about art,” specify “Describe the art scene in modern Tokyo.”
- Set clear expectations: If you need a comprehensive analysis, phrase your prompt to reflect the depth required, such as “Provide a detailed comparison of Renaissance and Baroque art styles.”
- Keep it simple: Avoid overly complex language that could confuse the AI. Straightforward language often yields better results.
Common mistakes
A common pitfall in using GPT is crafting prompts that are too vague or overly complicated, leading to outputs that may seem disjointed, or clearly sound like they were written by a machine. These mistakes detract from the human-like quality of the content, making it less engaging and harder to use.
Vagueness in prompts can leave too much room for interpretation, causing the AI to generate generic or irrelevant content. For example, a prompt such as “Tell me about dogs” is very broad and will likely result in a superficial overview of dogs in general. Without specific details, GPT will cover basic aspects like breeds, care, or behaviour, which is probably not what you’re actually looking for.
On the other hand, over-complication occurs when prompts are loaded with unnecessary details and complex language that can confuse the AI. Asking “What are the socio-economic impacts of canine populations on urbanised central commercial districts in major North-Western European cities post-2000?” might overwhelm the model or lead to a response filled with inaccuracies and irrelevancies.
Focus and Scope
To avoid the issues above, it is important to balance clarity and detail by writing a prompt that specifies focus and scope: “Describe the benefits of therapy dogs in urban senior living facilities in Europe.” This prompt provides:
- Context (therapy dogs in urban settings);
- Specific Information (benefits, senior living facilities);
- Geographic Focus (Europe);
- Intent (describe), ensuring the response is both relevant and detailed.
Case Study: Writing about the Artists’ Village of Bergen
Consider a prompt designed to generate a 400-word article about the artists’ village of Bergen in North-Holland, Netherlands. An effective prompt for this might be: “Write a detailed 400-word article about the history and cultural significance of the artists’ village of Bergen in North-Holland, Netherlands.” The response from GPT was:
“Nested in the heart of North-Holland, the artists’ village of Bergen is not just a place, but a vibrant testament to the Netherlands’ rich cultural tapestry. Founded in the early 20th century, this enclave became a sanctuary for artists drawn by its serene landscapes and unique light. Over the years, Bergen has cultivated a reputation as a hub of artistic innovation, particularly famous for the Bergen School of painters who infused Dutch modernism with new vitality. Today, the village continues to celebrate its artistic heritage through numerous galleries, workshops, and an annual art festival that attracts enthusiasts from around the globe.”
Now, this response contains a couple of mistakes—Bergen was first mentioned in Church annals as early as the ninth century and it is in fact nested beneath the dunes on the western coast, not in the heart of North-Holland. Also, the response is quite obviously not 400 words long. In defence of the AI, however, it must be noted that the reason for these mistakes is that the text was generated using a prompt within the prompt used to write this article: I overcomplicated the prompt, overwhelming the AI.
To remedy this, I pointed out the errors and in a separate prompt asked the AI to actually produce a 400-word response to be used in the case study.
The article within the article
The AI remembered my original prompt within the prompt and with just a cursory edit, the article below is what it subsequently generated.
Bergen, Netherlands: A Sanctuary for Artistic Souls
Nestled beneath the gentle dunes along the North Sea coast, Bergen in North-Holland holds a special place in the art world. Known as the artists’ village, this serene locale has been inspiring painters, writers and musicians for over a century. Its story coincides with the broader narrative of Dutch cultural development, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of modernist movements in Europe.
Bergen’s artistic roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when it became a retreat for artists escaping the urban bustle of Amsterdam. The natural beauty of the area, characterised by its expansive forests and tranquil beaches, provided a perfect backdrop for creative exploration. The village’s light, often described as soft and diffusive, has a particular quality that seems to capture the subtle nuances of colour, making it a painter’s paradise.
By the early 20th century, Bergen had established itself as a significant centre for art. The Bergen School, a group of Expressionist painters who emerged during this period, became well-known for their distinct style. They focused on portraying the emotional and spiritual responses to the landscape around them, using bold colours and dynamic compositions that broke away from traditional Dutch painting techniques.
The influence of Bergen extends beyond visual arts. It has also been a fertile ground for literature and music. Numerous Dutch writers have penned works while staying in the village, drawn by its quiet charm and the stimulating presence of fellow artists. Similarly, classical composers have found its calm conducive to musical composition, often reflecting the rhythmic patterns of the sea and the winds in their scores.
Today, Bergen continues to celebrate its artistic heritage. Kranenburgh Museum, located in the heart of the village, houses a permanent collection of works by members of the Bergen School, as well as contemporary artists. Additionally, the village hosts an annual art festival, attracting artists and art lovers from all over the world. This festival not only showcases local talent but also encourages cultural exchange and collaboration among artists from various disciplines.
As Bergen moves through the 21st century, it remains a vibrant community dedicated to the arts. While respecting its rich history, the village continually adapts, embracing new ideas and technologies that allow its artistic legacy to thrive. For visitors and residents alike, Bergen offers a timeless reminder of the power of place in fostering artistic expression.
Living in the village myself, I can vouch for the accuracy of this article and I think you’ll agree with me that it reads perfectly normally, as if written by a human.
The Myth of the Perfect Prompt
So, while the pursuit of the perfect prompt is ongoing, it’s important to realise that prompt engineering is more art than science. It evolves as we better understand both the capabilities of AI and the nuances of our own questions. Accepting that no prompt is perfect encourages us at Big Black Point to experiment and refine our approach continuously.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with colleagues and friends. For more information, or to delve deeper into the world of AI-driven content creation, please browse Big Black Point or use the contact form on our website.