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Interacting with AI chatbots can be frustrating when you don’t get the hoped-for responses.
Often, it’s not the chatbot’s faultyou may just need to adjust how you prompt it.
We’ll guide you in crafting prompts that will get you better responses from your chatbot.
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
Be Concise and Specific
Interacting with AI chatbots is a two-way conversation.
Watch your use of ambiguous language.
Be as specific as possible by including relevant details, topics, keywords, technical terms, etc.
Instead, we tried: “Can you explain how to factor quadratic equations?”
This prompt clearly states what we need help with, allowing ChatGPT to explain factoring quadratics.
We’ll leave you to judge if the response sounded like what Elon Musk would give.
after you grab enough information, create a summary of the plot."
Be friendly and encouraging."
A few choice details can steer the chatbot away from generic, ambiguous responses towards tailored, on-point recommendations.
What exercises and dietary habits do you recommend?"
In this case, ChatGPT was able to cut through the noise and offer practical suggestions.
We humans often use slang or shorthand without thinking twice about it.
But for a chatbot, phrases like “I’m dying!”
when you’re laughing or “My boss is a psycho!”
when complaining can be puzzling or concerning out of context.
AI chatbots tend to interpret words very literally.
Without shared human experiences and cultural references, the meaning behind some casual language can get muddled.
Sarcasm and irony are common stumbling blocks, too.
So, the more straightforward your words, the better they can respond suitably.
So, it’s tempting to rapid-fire a bunch of questions all at once.
However, it’s better to go slow with AI chatbots and ask questions one step at a time.
You want to give each query enough attention and thought.
AI chatbots function similarly.
spurred the chatbot to offer an in-depth explanation on that one subject.
So, you should rephrase your question if that happens.
Play around with using different terms, specifying details you want covered, or asking it from different angles.
Chances are a slightly tweaked version of your question will get you to a more satisfying answer.
For example, if you ask, “What precipitated the stock market crash of 1929?”
See, the same question but chilled out.
Explain it conversationally like you’re talking to a friend.
Ask clear, specific questions, use natural language, start simple, and don’t get frustrated.
With practice and patience, you’ll chat smoothly and quickly get the information you need.
The key is starting a conversation, not an interrogation.
