- Crafting an Effective AI Prompt
- Necessary Components of an AI Prompt
- What Not to Include in a Prompt
- Putting It All Together
- Summary
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
What Not to Include in a Prompt
Knowing what not to include in an AI prompt is just as important as knowing what to include. To ensure better results, here are some things to avoid in your prompts:
Too many tasks at once: AI models, just like us human beings, can get confused or overwhelmed if tasked to do too many things at the same time. If what you want is overly complex, break it down into multiple prompts.
Too many details or too much background information: Similarly, you can overwhelm some AI models by including too many irrelevant background details. Include what’s important or necessary, but don’t make the model try to extract the wheat from the unnecessary chaff.
Contradictory instructions: Don’t ask the AI to go in two different directions at the same time. Your desired output cannot be both serious and lighthearted at the same time, nor can it be concise and detailed. Pick your lane and stick to it.
Jargon and industry speak: Use plain English when crafting your prompt. Avoid lingo and TLAs (three-letter acronyms) that only industry insiders will understand. Don’t assume the AI knows all the jargon used inside your company or industry.
Inappropriate or sensitive content: Avoid asking for or referencing anything illegal, violent, or discriminatory. (You may, in fact, be prohibited from entering inappropriate prompts with some AI engines.)
Copyrighted material: Along the same lines, avoid infringing on any copyrighted characters or material. While some AI engines might let you generate an image of Superman at your birthday party, others will refuse to do so on copyright grounds.
When it comes to crafting your prompts, just use common sense. Don’t do anything confusing or inappropriate, and you should be fine.
