There are popular Prompting Patterns to follow based on the outcome you are trying to create. Regardless of your approach the following are considerations to help you get better results:
Clear: You write in common, simple language that’s easy to understand.
Specific: It’s specific enough to provide direction. Sometimes include what you don’t want or an example to copy.
Contextual: Provide enough context on your role, organisation and objectives to generate meaningful output.
Relevant: Provide aspects relevant to the task for example how it will be used.
Key Terms
- A prompt is an instruction that tells a large language model (LLM) to perform a task. The process is also known as instruction tuning. The model follows the prompt to determine the structure and content of the text it needs to generate.
- Prompt engineering is the process of creating and refining the prompt that’s used by the model.
Prompt Structures
We’ve outlined our favourite options below which provide a great starting point. These help you complete a full prompt for the activity you are trying to complete with a better chance of success. Under each approach there is an example output to show you how much can be achieved.
T3 – Task, Tone and Target
Getting a task done in a tone you like with a target output in mind.
- Task – What you need to get done
- Tone – The style that you’d like used
- Target – Describe the target output or audience
Example uses: Writing content, creating images, brainstorming
- Create a logo for Data+AI that looks modern and professional to be used a new website.
- Summarise this news article in a factual tone using 3-5 bullet points for an Executive audience.
- Create a set of actions from meeting minutes in a succinct, action oriented tone tabulated in the following format: Action | Action Owner | Due Date
Example output – Meeting Actions
| Action | Action Owner | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Review and finalize project budget | Project Manager | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Conduct market research | Marketing Team | Mar 10, 2024 |
| Draft initial proposal | Sales Team | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Schedule client meeting | Account Manager | Mar 2, 2024 |
| Update website content | Web Developer | Mar 8, 2024 |
| Compile quarterly report | Finance Team | Mar 15, 2024 |
| Coordinate logistics for event | Event Coordinator | Mar 12, 2024 |
| Follow up with potential partners | Business Development Team | Mar 7, 2024 |
| Prepare presentation materials | Marketing Team | Mar 10, 2024 |
| Conduct employee training session | HR Manager | Mar 6, 2024 |
STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Result
Describe the situation, outline the task, detail action taken, and share the result.
- Situation – The context of your role and organisation
- Task – The details that you want to be completed (e.g. a plan)
- Action – Describe the actions that are required supporting the task
- Result – The final result being specific on measures, formats and additional information (e.g. totals)
Example uses: Planning, complex tasks
- I’m a Programme Director in a Bank and need a series of detailed tasks for a new communication tool implementation. For each step the likely resources in a format to be shared with delivery partners.
Provide an effort estimate (in weeks) for each resource and task.
Tabulate the results as Phase, Task, Resource, Effort.
Create another table with the totals by Resource.
Example output – Programme Estimate
Below are the detailed tasks for a new communication tool implementation in a bank, along with likely resources and effort estimates, tabulated by phase:
| Phase | Task | Resource | Effort (in weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Initiation | Define project scope, objectives, and success criteria | Project Manager | 2 |
| Business Analysts | 3 | ||
| Stakeholders | 2 | ||
| Conduct feasibility study and risk assessment | Business Analysts | 3 | |
| Subject Matter Experts | 2 | ||
| Develop project plan including timelines and resource allocation | Project Manager | 2 | |
| PMO Support | 2 | ||
| Requirements Gathering | Identify communication needs and user requirements | Business Analysts | 3 |
| IT Specialists | 2 | ||
| End-users | 3 | ||
| Conduct stakeholder interviews and workshops | Business Analysts | 3 | |
| Project Manager | 2 | ||
| Stakeholders | 3 | ||
| Vendor Selection | Research and shortlist communication tool vendors | Procurement Team | 3 |
| IT Specialists | 2 | ||
| Business Analysts | 2 | ||
| Evaluate vendor proposals and conduct demonstrations | Procurement Team | 3 | |
| IT Specialists | 2 | ||
| Business Analysts | 2 | ||
| Negotiate contracts and finalize vendor selection | Legal Team | 3 | |
| Procurement Team | 2 | ||
| Finance | 2 | ||
| System Configuration | Install and configure the communication tool | IT Specialists | 3 |
| System Administrators | 2 | ||
| Customize the tool to align with bank-specific requirements | IT Specialists | 3 | |
| System Administrators | 2 | ||
| Business Analysts | 2 | ||
| Integrate the tool with existing systems | IT Specialists | 3 | |
| System Integrators | 2 | ||
| Testing and QA | Develop test cases and scenarios | QA Specialists | 3 |
| Business Analysts | 2 | ||
| End-users | 2 | ||
| Conduct functional, integration, and user acceptance testing | QA Specialists | 3 | |
| End-users | 2 | ||
| IT Specialists | 2 | ||
| Identify and resolve any issues or bugs | Development Team | Ongoing | |
| IT Specialists | Ongoing | ||
| Training and Documentation | Develop training materials and user guides | Training Specialists | 3 |
| Technical Writers | 2 | ||
| Conduct training sessions for end-users and administrators | Training Specialists | 2 | |
| Subject Matter Experts | 1 | ||
| Create support documentation and FAQs | Technical Writers | 2 | |
| Subject Matter Experts | 1 | ||
| Deployment and Rollout | Plan and coordinate the deployment schedule | Project Manager | 2 |
| Deployment Team | 2 | ||
| Execute the deployment of the communication tool | IT Specialists | 2 | |
| Deployment Team | 2 | ||
| Monitor deployment progress and address any issues | Project Manager | Ongoing | |
| Deployment Team | Ongoing | ||
| Post-Implementation Review | Evaluate the success of the implementation | Project Manager | 2 |
| Stakeholders | 2 | ||
| Gather feedback from end-users and stakeholders | Project Manager | 2 | |
| Business Analysts | 2 | ||
| Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement | Project Manager | 2 | |
| Team Members | 2 | ||
| Ongoing Support and Maintenance | Establish a support mechanism for end-users | Helpdesk Support | Ongoing |
| IT Specialists | Ongoing | ||
| Monitor system performance and address any maintenance needs | IT Specialists | Ongoing | |
| System Administrators | Ongoing | ||
| Implement updates and upgrades as necessary | IT Specialists | Ongoing | |
| System Administrators | Ongoing | ||
| Vendor Support | Ongoing | ||
| Change Management and Communication | Develop a change management plan | Change Management Specialists | 3 |
| Project Manager | 2 | ||
| Communicate changes to stakeholders and end-users | Communication Specialists | Ongoing | |
| Project Manager | Ongoing |
Now, let’s create another table to summarize the total effort by resource:
| Resource | Total Effort (in weeks) |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | 27 |
| Business Analysts | 23 |
| Stakeholders | 7 |
| Subject Matter Experts | 7 |
| PMO Support | 2 |
| IT Specialists | 40 |
| Procurement Team | 8 |
| Legal Team | 3 |
| Finance | 2 |
| System Administrators | 12 |
| System Integrators | 2 |
| QA Specialists | 6 |
| Development Team | Ongoing |
| Training Specialists | 7 |
| Technical Writers | 4 |
| Deployment Team | 10 |
| Team Members | 2 |
| Helpdesk Support | Ongoing |
| Change Management Specialists | 3 |
| Communication Specialists | Ongoing |
| Vendor Support | Ongoing |
This table gives an overview of the total effort required by each resource throughout the implementation process.
CLEAR – Challenge, Limitation, Effect, Action, Result
Identify a challenge, acknowledge a limitation, predict the anticipated effect, propose an action plan, and expected results.
- Challenge – The problem you are trying to solve
- Limitation – The restrictions that you have
- Effect – Describe the expected impacts from you challenge
- Result – The final result being specific on expected outputs, formats, audiences and additional information (e.g. totals, recommendations)
Example uses: Crisis communication, project risks.
- We have a security breach of our IT systems and do not have a clear timeframe for resolution and expect significant customer loss but we need clear actions to reassure our stakeholders as a professional board paper.
- Our Marketing department experiences a mass exodus of highly skilled employees, due to a competitive job market, dissatisfaction with company policies and changes in leadership. This sudden loss of talent threatens to disrupt critical projects and decrease productivity and competitive disadvantage. The board paper should outline strategies for talent retention, recruitment, and knowledge transfer to mitigate the impact.
- Our insurance company fails to meet new regulatory requirements imposed by a government agency, resulting in fines, legal action, and potential suspension of operations. This compliance failure stems from inadequate internal controls, outdated processes, and misunderstanding of regulatory obligations. The board must develop a remediation plan to address the compliance deficiencies, allocate resources for corrective actions, and establish protocols to prevent future regulatory lapses to operate responsibly within the regulatory framework.
Example Output – IT security incident
Title: Response Plan for IT Security Breach
Objective: To outline clear actions to address the ongoing IT security breach and reassure stakeholders of our commitment to resolution and mitigation.
Background:
We acknowledge the severity of the current IT security breach and its potential impact on our organization, including significant customer loss. The breach demands immediate attention and a robust response strategy to mitigate damages and restore trust.
Current Status:
- The breach has been identified, and investigation procedures are underway to determine the extent of the intrusion.
- Efforts are being made to contain the breach and prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- The timeframe for resolution remains uncertain, as it depends on the complexity and scope of the breach.
Proposed Actions:
- Transparent Communication: Establish a clear communication protocol to keep stakeholders informed about the situation, including regular updates on the progress of investigations and mitigation efforts. Transparency is key to maintaining trust and credibility.
- Engage Security Experts: Collaborate with external cybersecurity experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment of our systems, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend measures to strengthen our defenses against future attacks.
- Data Protection Measures: Implement enhanced security measures to safeguard sensitive data, such as encryption protocols, access controls, and regular data backups. Prioritize the protection of customer information to mitigate potential losses and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Customer Outreach: Proactively reach out to affected customers to provide assurance, guidance, and support in case of any compromised information. Offer solutions, such as credit monitoring services or identity theft protection, to mitigate the impact on their privacy and financial security.
- Internal Review and Training: Conduct an internal review of our IT protocols and employee training programs to identify areas for improvement in cybersecurity awareness and incident response readiness. Invest in ongoing education and training initiatives to empower employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond effectively to security threats.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations and industry standards to avoid potential legal repercussions and maintain the trust of our stakeholders.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the IT security breach poses significant challenges and uncertainties, we are committed to taking proactive measures to address the situation, mitigate damages, and rebuild trust with our stakeholders. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we will emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future cybersecurity threats.
Recommendation: The board is recommended to approve the proposed actions outlined in this paper and provide necessary resources and support to expedite the resolution process and minimize the impact of the security breach on our organization and stakeholders.
AIDA – Attention, Interest, Desire, Action
Capture an audience’s attention, maintain their interest, create desire for the product or service, and prompt action.
- Attention – What is the key campaign or way of grabbing prospective or existing customer’s attention
- Interest – What is the parts of this that would interest a prospective customer
- Desire – How do you build desire within your prospective customers
- Action – What is the action you plan as an outcome of a successful campaign
Example uses: Marketing to create engaging content that grabs attention and drives sales.
- Create a campaign for Electric Vehicle (EV) cars generating excitement among potential buyers. The car has superior performance over traditional combustion-engine vehicles. Modern interiors, lower weekly costs of transport and aerodynamic exteriors mean people will want to watch videos by celebrities to build anticipation and desire and then test drive these cars for themselves. A seamless online ordering process with transparent pricing and financing options, coupled with limited-time incentives such as rebates or free charging station installation for early adopters to buy our EV car.
- Create a marketing campaign to utilise the Attention, Interest, Desire, Action (AIDA) model to promote a new fitness app looking for trial users
Example Output – New Fitness App
Attention:
Banner Ad:
- Eye-catching image of a person smiling while using the app.
- Bold text: “Transform Your Body in Just 30 Days!”
- Subtext: “Discover the Ultimate Fitness App Loved by Thousands!”
Interest:
Video Ad:
- Scene 1: A person struggling with traditional workouts.
- Scene 2: Introduce the app interface, showcasing personalized workout plans.
- Scene 3: Show various workouts available in the app, including yoga, HIIT, and strength training.
- Scene 4: Highlight progress tracking feature and motivational messages.
- Voiceover: “Tired of boring workouts? Try our app! Personalized plans, diverse workouts, and progress tracking all in one place!”
Desire:
Social Proof:
- Testimonial from a satisfied user: “I never thought I could enjoy working out until I found this app! It’s like having a personal trainer in my pocket!”
- Before-and-after photos of users who achieved remarkable results using the app.
- “Join thousands of users who’ve transformed their bodies and lives with our app!”
Action:
Call-to-Action:
- Website: “Start Your 30-Day Free Trial Now!”
- App Store Buttons: “Download Now and Begin Your Fitness Journey!”
- Limited-time Offer: “Get Access to Premium Features Free for the First Month!”
Email Campaign:
- Subject Line: “Ready for a Change? Try Our Fitness App FREE for 30 Days!”
- Content: Highlight app features, success stories, and the limited-time offer. Encourage recipients to click the link to download the app and start their trial.
By incorporating attention-grabbing visuals, showcasing the app’s features to generate interest, leveraging social proof to create desire, and providing clear calls-to-action, this marketing campaign aims to effectively promote the new fitness app and attract trial users using the AIDA model.
Potential Tones
Tones or styles help refine the output.
- Blog Post: Informative, Humorous, Advisor, Formal, Informal
- Essay: Persuasive, Enthusiastic, Coach, Academic, Editorial
- Report: Friendly, Storyteller, Informative, Inspirational
- Amusing: Pirate, Silly, Rhyming, Comedic
If you know a particular person or company, you can also reference in the style of [person, company].
If you want to assess your own style, use this prompt:
Provide the tone and style of this text: [copy in recent text you’ve created]
Example output – tone & style
The tone of the text is informative and optimistic. The language used is professional and confident, presenting facts and statistics to support the claims made. Overall, the style is authoritative and forward-thinking, aiming to persuade readers of the significance of the potential.
This can then be turned into a prompt:
Create 5 paragraphs about public speaking using the following style: The tone of the text is informative and optimistic. The language used is professional and confident, presenting facts and statistics to support the claims made. Overall, the style is authoritative and forward-thinking, aiming to persuade readers of the significance of the potential.
Output Types
- Tabulate
- Use the format: A, B, C
- Bullet point
- Limit to 5 paragraphs
- Use APA (American Psychological Association) references
Hopefully these tips, tricks and examples help you to create some great prompts.
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