AI (LLM) Prompting

When I first discovered the power of AI, it felt like unlocking a new dimension of possibility. But here’s the thing—I quickly realized that AI doesn’t work like magic. It’s more like a highly skilled team member that needs the right instructions to thrive. That’s where LLM prompting comes in, and what I explore in my books, How YOU Can Use ChatGPT and AIgents.

In AIgents, I discuss how AI workers can revolutionize productivity, saving employees, on average, 38% of their time. That’s not just a number—it’s hours reclaimed for creativity, strategy, and growth. And the key to unlocking this potential? Mastering the art of prompting.

The Foundation of LLM Prompting

Prompting is how you give instructions to AI tools like ChatGPT. A great prompt isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about setting expectations, providing context, and guiding the AI to deliver exactly what you need. Done right, prompting turns AI into an invaluable teammate.

Why Mastering Prompting Matters

If you’re implementing AI workers, as I discuss in AIgents, knowing how to craft effective prompts is crucial. This skill isn’t just for tech experts; it’s for anyone who wants to unlock the true potential of AI. Whether you’re delegating repetitive tasks or brainstorming innovative ideas, the better your prompts, the better your results.

26 LLM Prompting Tricks to Supercharge Your AI Results

1. Simplify Complex Tasks

AI thrives on clarity. Break big questions into smaller, actionable steps.
Example: Instead of: “How can I grow my business?”
Try: “List three strategies for improving customer retention in e-commerce.”

2. Provide Context

AI performs best with background information. Set the stage for your request.
Example: “Explain the benefits of meditation for a 40-year-old managing stress at work.”

3. Assign a Role

Transform AI into a specialized assistant by assigning it a role.
Example: “Act as a financial advisor and suggest three investment strategies for beginners.”

4. Use Examples

In How YOU Can Use ChatGPT, I emphasize the power of examples.
Example: “Here’s an email template I love. Write a follow-up email in the same style.”

5. Structure Prompts Clearly

Messy prompts lead to messy results. Use a structured format for clarity.
Example Format:

• Task: “Write a social media post.”
• Tone: “Make it playful and fun.”
• Details: “Highlight our weekend sale on sustainable products.”

6. Add Constraints

Constraints focus the AI’s output.
Example: “Suggest three vacation destinations under $1,000, excluding beach locations.”

7. Think Step-by-Step

In AIgents, I discuss “Chain-of-Thought Prompting,” a method to guide AI through logical processes.
Example: “Explain step by step how solar panels generate electricity.”

8. Encourage Creativity

Challenge AI to think outside the box.
Example: “Imagine you’re designing a futuristic workspace. What features would it have?”

9. Be Precise

Polite words like “please” don’t matter to AI, but precision does.
Example: “Write a 500-word blog post about improving workplace productivity.”

10. Iterate and Refine

Think of AI as a collaborator. Start simple and build on results.
Example: Start with: “Summarize this article.”
Follow up with: “Now add specific examples and make it more conversational.”

11. Use Beginner-Friendly Analogies

Simplify complex ideas with analogies.
Example: “Explain blockchain as if you’re teaching a fifth grader.”

12. Specify Output Formats

Ask for the structure you need, like bullet points or a numbered list.
Example: “Summarize this article in five bullet points.”

13. Fact-Check Everything

AI can be confident but wrong. Always verify key details, especially for professional tasks.

14. Treat AI as a Partner

Ask the AI how to improve your prompts.
Example: “Here’s my prompt: [insert]. How can I make it better?”

15. Remove Bias

AI can reflect bias if not guided properly.
Example: “Provide an unbiased explanation of this topic.”

16. Compare Options

AI excels at comparisons.
Example: “Compare the pros and cons of remote work vs. in-office setups.”

17. Experiment with Open-Ended Prompts

Explore possibilities with open-ended questions.
Example: “What are some creative uses for AI in healthcare?”

18. Tailor Responses to Your Audience

Specify your target audience for tailored results.
Example: “Explain AI ethics to a group of high school students.”

19. Use Humor

Inject some fun into your prompts.
Example: “Write a funny tweet about the struggles of working remotely.”

20. Hypotheticals for Creativity

Push AI to think outside the box with hypothetical scenarios.
Example: “If AI ran a restaurant, what would it look like?”

21–26: BONUS TRICKS

1. Incorporate Data: Provide specific inputs for tailored outputs.
2. Encourage Logical Flow: Ask for step-by-step reasoning.
3. Use Constraints for Conciseness: “Explain this concept in 100 words or less.”
4. Be Patient: Iteration is key to better results.
5. Explore Personalization: Ask for personalized solutions based on your needs.
6. Collaborate for Creativity: Use AI as a co-writer for stories, brainstorming, or planning.

Your AI Revolution Starts Here

In How YOU Can Use ChatGPT, I explore how AI can transform everyday tasks. In AIgents, I go even deeper, showing how AI workers can save 38% of an employee’s time by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing productivity.

These 26 tricks are the foundation for making AI work smarter for you. Whether you’re creating content, solving complex problems, or delegating tasks to your AI workers, these techniques will ensure you get the most out of your tools.

Start experimenting today, and let me know—what’s your favorite prompting trick?

https://aigenthelp.com/books/

https://learnprompting.org/?srsltid=AfmBOooXlQigcxprX4nEbzWeUis3aQ-IHOZzzW4G8U8L23LChAoONJ7i

https://guides.library.georgetown.edu/ai/prompts