Smarter prompts lead to smarter responses.
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, think, and create—but many people aren’t getting the best out of tools like ChatGPT. If you’ve ever felt underwhelmed by the responses you got, the problem might not be the AI — it might be your prompt.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common mistakes users make when using ChatGPT and show you how to craft prompts that unlock its full potential — whether you’re writing code, creating content, or doing research.
The Problem: Vague Prompts Get Vague Answers
Many users treat ChatGPT like a magic genie, tossing in a one-line request and hoping for brilliance. But AI works best with clarity and context. For example:
❌ “Write me an article.”
✅ “Write a 500-word blog post for a beginner audience about the future of AI in African agriculture, using simple language and examples.”
That’s a prompt glow-up — and the quality of response jumps dramatically.
5 Proven Prompting Tips That Make You a Power User
1. Give Context
The more background you provide, the smarter the AI becomes. Tell it who you are, what you’re working on, and what you need.
🧠 Example:
“I run a newsletter for African AI enthusiasts. Help me write a short, engaging summary of today’s top AI news in Ghana.”
2. Be Specific About Output
Do you want a tweet, an email, a poem, or Python code? The clearer you are, the better the format and tone.
🔧 Example:
“Summarize this article into three bullet points for LinkedIn.”
or
“Explain this like I’m a 10-year-old.”
3. Set the Tone and Style
Want it funny? Professional? Academic? Say so.
🎯 Example:
“Write this like a TED Talk speaker explaining AI to a non-technical audience.”
4. Use Roleplay or Personas
Tell ChatGPT to act like a specific role — a lawyer, a data analyst, a journalist — and it will tailor its output accordingly.
👩🏽💻 Example:
“Act as a Nigerian tech journalist. What’s your take on the FG-Meta AI Accelerator?”
5. Iterate and Refine
Don’t stop at one response. Ask for improvements: “Can you make it shorter?” “Add examples.” “Now give me a headline.”
ChatGPT isn’t a one-shot tool — it’s a conversation.
Bonus: Pro Prompt Formula
Try this simple prompt structure for more consistent results:
🎯 Prompt Formula:
“Act as [role]. I want to [task] for [audience]. The tone should be [style]. The output should be [format/length].”
Example:
“Act as an AI policy expert. I want to write a blog post for African tech leaders about ethical challenges in AI governance. The tone should be authoritative yet accessible. The output should be around 800 words.”
Why This Matters
AI is a powerful partner — but it’s not a mind-reader. Prompting is the new literacy. In the age of AI, knowing what to ask is just as important as knowing where to click.
The good news? You don’t need to be a coder or a genius. Just learn the art of clear, strategic prompting — and ChatGPT will do the rest.
Final Thought
Next time you say, “ChatGPT didn’t give me a good answer,” ask yourself:
Did I give it a good question?
Smarter prompts = smarter responses. Start prompting like a pro — and let AI unlock your next big idea.
