Here are some tips to help craft clear prompts:
Understand and Use Context
Context helps the system understand the background and specifics of the query, leading to more accurate and relevant responses. Providing context in a question is similar to providing background in a conversation, ensuring the other person gives a better answer.
Be Specific
Specific prompts lead to more targeted and useful responses. Specificity narrows down the scope, making it easier for the system to retrieve and generate accurate information.
Avoid Ambiguity
Ambiguity is often the culprit in poor responses. If the prompt is unclear or could be misinterpreted, the results will not be optimal. Ambiguity can lead to broad or irrelevant responses.
Here are some examples of vague and ambiguous prompts and how to revise them to make them more specific and more clear:
| Vague | Specific |
| "What are the rules for deductions?" | "What are the rules for deducting home office expenses for self-employed individuals?" |
| The system may generate a general answer but no direction has been given as to what the deductions may be related to. | The prompt is specific about home office expenses for self-employed individuals. |
| Ambiguous | Clear |
| "What tax credits are available?" | "What are the available tax credits for renewable energy investments?" |
| The system may generate a general answer but this is an ambiguous ask. | This prompt is clear on what the tax credits are related to. |