28 Tips to Elevate Your ChatGPT Prompts

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other tools are making artificial intelligence available to the masses. We can now get responses on almost any topic imaginable. These chatbots can compose sonnets, write code, get philosophical, and automate tasks.

However, while you can type anything into ChatGPT and get it to understand you, there are ways to get more interesting and useful results. This “prompt engineering” is becoming a specialized skill. Adding a few words or an extra line of instruction can elevate ChatGPT responses.

We've included several examples below. Some prompts require a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription, noted where applicable. To avoid AI chatbots being obsequious and sycophantic, tell ChatGPT to act like a curious, inquisitive 10-year-old who wants to help and has questions.

This childlike interrogation quickly helps spot weak points and potential problems. When using the ChatGPT app on a phone, utilize the device camera and include snapped photos as part of your prompt. Examples include “How tall is this landmark,” “What type of insect is this,” or “What does this sign say in English?” Tap the + button on the prompt box, then Camera.

ChatGPT can be a useful learning resource for most topics, but it can return an overwhelming amount of information. Use the “80-20 rule” in your prompt to make it more efficient. Ask ChatGPT for “the 80-20 on …” a topic to get up to speed quickly.

Turn your sketches into something more real. ChatGPT can remix existing pictures. Tap or click the + button on the prompt box, then pick Add photos & files (desktop) or Files (mobile) to select one or more existing images.

Use the prompt to explain what you want next. Why this matters: The ability to craft effective prompts for AI chatbots like ChatGPT has significant implications for developers, businesses, and consumers. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the skill of prompt engineering will become more valuable.

It enables users to unlock more accurate, relevant, and useful responses from AI tools, which can lead to increased productivity and better decision-making. However, the reliance on prompt engineering also raises questions about the potential for biased or misleading responses if the prompts are poorly designed. As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial to develop best practices for prompt engineering and to consider the broader implications of this emerging skill.