In the world of generative AI, prompt engineering is an essential skill. It is the art of formulating the right questions and instructions to get the best results from AI systems. Whether you are using generative AI for writing text, summarising information or answering questions, prompt engineering is the key to success.

How does prompt engineering work?

When using generative AI solutions, the input you provide is crucial. The quality and clarity of your prompts largely determine the quality of the output you receive. Prompt engineering can be applied to a wide range of AI solutions. Whether you are using AI for writing text, rewriting content with AI, or generating reports with AI, with the right prompts you can optimise the results. Clear and structured prompts help the AI better understand your intentions and deliver more relevant results. The CRAFTE principle comes in handy here.

CRAFTE principle of prompt engineering

CRAFTE stands for Context, Register, Acting Role, Format, Task, and Example. By including these elements in your prompts, you provide the AI with valuable information to work with.

• Context: Provide details, scope, and relevant information so that the AI understands what you are trying to achieve.

• Register: Determine the tone and style of communication. Should the AI be formal or informal?

• Acting Role: Define the role of the AI in the conversation. Is it an expert, an assistant, or something else?

• Format: Specify the desired output format, such as a list, a summary, or a full article.

• Task: Clearly describe the exact task you want the AI to perform, such as writing a text or answering a question.

• Example: Include examples in the prompt, for instance, of the desired output.

This is an example of how the CRAFTE principle can look in practice:

Best practices for prompt engineering

To improve your prompt engineering skills, you might want to look at examples of good prompts. For instance, check out this prompt which helps you create a prompt. Additionally, it is important to tailor your prompts to specific use cases. Writing an AI-generated text requires different prompts than summarising a report. Experiment with different prompts and refine them based on the results you get.

Example prompting

A powerful technique in prompt engineering is example prompting. Here, you provide many examples in your prompt so that the AI gets a better understanding of what you expect. This is particularly useful for complex tasks or when you want to replicate a specific tone or writing style.

Prompt engineering as an indispensable skill

Prompt engineering is an indispensable skill for anyone working with generative AI. By applying the CRAFTE principle, best practices, and example prompting, you can improve communication with generative AI systems and take the results to a higher level. Whether you are an experienced generative AI user or just starting, investing in prompt engineering pays off. So, the next time you use an AI solution, think carefully about your prompts and discover the full potential of generative AI.