Basic Prompting Techniques
Several simple techniques improve output quality immediately.
#1. Be specific
State the exact task, audience, and format.
#2. Provide context
If the model does not have the surrounding facts, it will fill the gaps with guesses.
#3. Constrain the output
Ask for a format such as:
- bullet points
- JSON
- a table
- a short answer
- a comparison only
#4. Use examples when needed
Few-shot examples help when the format, tone, or decision pattern matters.
#5. Iterate
The first prompt is rarely the final prompt. Adjust it based on the failure mode you actually see.
