Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): Advanced Prompt Strategies

Like any tool, ChatGPT has limitations​. It important critically evaluate how the tool works, what it can do, and what it cannot. Here are a selection of some of the common issues or barriers with using a GenAI tool like ChatGPT. Note that the list below may be out of date, as the technology is constantly changing. This list was last updated in December 2023.

These qualities are for the free ChatGPT platform, which runs on GPT 3.5.

• Response size (4,000 words)​
• Rate limit (undisclosed by OpenAI; varies)​
• Limited data set (no data in the data set Jan. 2022)​
• Content policy restrictions, including illegal/illicit behavior, immoral subjects ​
• Speed / bandwidth​ restrictions depending on server capacity
• Ambiguity / mystery of design: ChatGPT, like many platforms, is designed without intentional transparency

One of the challenges of using ChatGPT is managing the chats over time. Utilize the save and share functionality and consider labeling chats be renaming them with a naming convention that works for you. Managing your chats will help you more effective use the tool and effectively make the most of your time.

Additionally, consider the following:

• Instead of multiple chats, consider using an individual chat with an iterative history for a specific project, task, or assignment
• Think about developing template prompts that can be used multiple times in different variations
• Track and reuse effective / successful prompts​, and take note of which prompts do not work particularly well
• Share your conversations with peers, project groups, colleagues​ using the share tool, especially those that work well; no need to reinvent the wheel if it's been invented effectively already!
• There are many communities online around the use of ChatGPT and GenAI; seek them out for your discipline to learn about best practices and tips specific to output for the discipline
• In the near future, new "GPTs" will emerge to be used in specific contexts; additionally, GPT-powered tools are emerging based on the GPT API, which are powering specific apps and meeting specific needs
• Be aware of new features in ChatGPT that support better conversation management

The following steps can be helped taken before starting a conversation or iterating to more successfully / effectively use the ChatGPT.

1. Identify Situation​
   • Ask what need you want to satisfy / what problem you to solve​
2. Select Tools​
   • Recognize that there are multiple options with overlap in functionality​ (for example, you may want to use ChatGPT, a search engine, and library databases to accomplish your task)
3. Revisit Defining Your Intentions / Outcomes​
   • As you progress with your work, ask what you want / what you want to achieve​

Meta: ChatGPT Prompting can help get you started as well​

• "I want to practice improving my writing."​
• "How can I use ChatGPT to improve my lesson plans?"​
•     "I want to be creative today. Can you help?"​

Always remember that ChatGPT is best used with iterations in mind. Learning the extent of the iterative structure can be time consuming but the more you use ChatGPT, the more you will learn about how iterations in conversations work.

• Iterative Platform allows for refinement of problem / process​
• Expansion / Simplification / Revision of Output​
• Benefits to Experimentation: Vague requests versus Direct requests​
  • Specify: "Write me a short story." versus "Write me a bildungsroman about a kid in North Philly who wants to open a cheesesteak shop."​
• Consider the power of copying and pasting​

The following are best practices for using ChatGPT and developing an efficient and optimized way of developing and using prompts to do your work.

• Acknowledge importance of practice and time commitment​
• Acknowledge your own connection with the content​
  • What are your own requirements for the output?​
  • What reading level are you interested in?​
  • How sophisticated do you want to get?​
• Integrate play and experimentation to avoid stress​

While ChatGPT is often praised for its effectiveness and ease of use, it's easy to get stuck or run into roadblocks regarding the output. The literacy of GenAI tools is derived from the use, but just because we use these tools regularly doesn't mean we won't get stuck! Consider the following tips if you do get stuck or need help.

• Re-center your intentions with your prompt​
• Don't be afraid to ask again. And again: learn how to tweak prompts and ask ChatGPT again in new ways​
• Use the "redo" button if you want to see alternative responses​
• Additional modification / tweaking for style​
• Ask another user (a peer, colleague, professor, or librarian) for support or creative problem solving

ChatGPT will be direct about what it can and cannot do, especially when it is asked directly.

• Note that when you ask it to do something that violates an internal policy or constraint, you will receive a brief explanation, such as: "I'm sorry, but I cannot generate content that involves violence or harm towards animals or any living beings. If you have any other non-violent and non-controversial topics you'd like me to help you with, feel free to ask."​

What it can and cannot do is defined by language / context​, so you can consider rewording your questions or requests if you get stuck or run into barriers.

• Note that the term "Jailbreaking" is used to describe people who get around language barriers and constraints​
  • Communities of casual users and developers explore this regularly​

ChatGPT will suggest alternative approaches as well. It will usually include alternatives or suggestions. You can also ask it directly for alternatives or guidance if you need help.

The following are key components of the ChatGPT user interface. Becoming familiar with these components will improve your effectiveness and skillfulness in general use of ChatGPT.

Conversation Space​

• Suggested Prompts​
• Prompt / Message Bar​
• Messages​
• Copy / Thumbs / Redo​
• Share​
• New Chat​

Chat History​

• Share / Rename / Delete​

Profile​

• Custom Instructions​
• Settings​

Understanding what ChatGPT can produce (including formats and document types) can help you learn the range of use with the tool. Keep in mind that these are simple ways of approaching GenAI output and much more complex applications and multi-part output are possible.

Formats of output in free ChatGPT​

The following are the primary types of text output that ChatGPT can generate. Note that the stylization of text in in ChatGPT is minimal.

• Prose, verse, plain text​
• Bulleted and numbered lists​
• Tables​
• Code (e.g. Python, JSON)​

Document types​

The following are a handful of document types that can be created in ChatGPT via the format of text described above.

• Forms​
• Letters​
• Memos​
• Resumes​
• Recipes​
• Lesson Plans​

Style of Output​

There are many ways ChatGPT's style can be considered, but knowing some of the key features can inspire you to experiment with the style of output you're looking for to meet your needs.

• Brevity​
• Tonality​
• Audience​
• Length​

Guidance Options​

ChatGPT is iterative and responsive to specific needs. Consider the type of guidance you can request of ChatGPT in addition to topical requirements.

• Ideation​
• Explanation​
• Illustration (Examples)​
• Recommendations​
• Responses to Specific Needs​