AI Prompting -Beginners course

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Begin your journey to AI prompting mastery

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Course Duration: ~40 minutes
Certificate: 80% pass rate required

What You'll Learn:

Understanding LLM fundamentals

Writing effective prompts

Avoiding common mistakes

Professional certification

What is an LLM?

Large Language Model (LLM)

An LLM is an artificial intelligence system trained on vast amounts of text to understand and generate human-like language. Think of it as a highly knowledgeable assistant that can help with writing, answering questions, and solving problems.

What LLMs Can Do:

Answer questions
Write content
Translate languages
Analyse data
Code programming

Popular Examples:

ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Genspark

Key Point:

LLMs are powerful tools, but they need clear instructions (prompts) to give you the best results.

What is a Prompt?

Understanding Prompts

A prompt is the instruction or question you give to an AI. It's like asking a knowledgeable friend for help - the clearer your request, the better their response will be.

Good Prompt Example:

"Write a professional email to a client apologising for a delayed delivery, keeping it under 100 words."

Poor Prompt Example:

"Write something."

Think of prompts like:

Giving directions to a taxi driver
Ordering food at a restaurant
Asking for help at a shop

The more specific you are, the better the result!

How Do Prompts Work?

The AI Communication Process

When you send a prompt to an AI, it goes through a sophisticated process to understand your request and generate a helpful response.

1

You Write Your Prompt

You type your question or instruction

2

AI Analyses Your Request

The AI examines your words and context

3

AI Generates Response

Creates the best answer based on its training

4

You Receive the Answer

The AI delivers its response to you

Remember:

The quality of the AI's response directly depends on the quality of your prompt!

Prompting Do's and Don'ts

DO's

Be specific and clear
Give detailed instructions about what you want
Provide context
Explain the situation or background
Set expectations
Specify length, format, or tone you want
Use examples
Show what you're looking for when helpful

DON'Ts

Be vague or unclear
Avoid prompts like "help me" or "do something"
Expect mind reading
AI can't guess what you haven't told it
Use offensive language
Keep your prompts professional and respectful
Overload with information
Too much detail can confuse the AI

Quick Tip:

Imagine you're talking to a helpful colleague who doesn't know your situation - give them enough information to help you properly!

Structure of a Good Prompt

The Three-Part Framework

Every effective prompt should have three key components working together like a well-built car tyre - each part is essential for smooth performance.

1. Context (The Background)

Set the scene - what's the situation?

Example: "I'm preparing a presentation for new employees at my company..."

2. Task (What You Want)

Be specific about what you need the AI to do

Example: "...write an engaging introduction that explains our company values..."

3. Output Format (How You Want It)

Specify the style, length, or format you need

Example: "...in 3 bullet points, written in a friendly, professional tone."

Complete Example:

"I'm preparing a presentation for new employees at my company. Please write an engaging introduction that explains our company values in 3 bullet points, written in a friendly, professional tone."

Types of Prompts

Four Main Categories

Understanding different types of prompts helps you choose the right approach for your specific needs.

1. Questions

Direct questions seeking specific information

"What are the key benefits of renewable energy?"

2. Instructions

Commands asking the AI to perform a specific task

"Summarise this article in 50 words"

3. Examples

Providing samples for the AI to follow or learn from

"Write a product description like this example: [sample text]"

4. Role-Based

Asking AI to act as a specific character or professional

"Act as a career counsellor and advise me on updating my C.V"

Pro Tip:

You can combine these types! Try: "As a marketing expert, review this email and suggest three improvements."

Writing Your First Prompt

Let's Practice Together

Now it's time to put everything together and write your first effective prompt. Follow along with this step-by-step example.

Scenario: You need help writing a professional email

❌ Poor Prompt:

"Write an email"

Too vague - AI doesn't know what kind of email or context

✅ Good Prompt:

"I need to email a client about a project delay. Write a professional apology email that:
• Explains we'll be 2 days late due to technical issues
• Maintains a positive relationship
• Keeps it under 100 words
• Uses a professional but friendly tone"

Clear context, specific task, defined requirements

Your Turn to Practice:

Choose a scenario and write your prompt:

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Learn from Common Mistakes

Even experienced users make these mistakes. Knowing what to avoid will help you get better results faster.

Pitfall #1: Being Too Vague

❌ "Help me with marketing"

✅ "Create 5 social media post ideas for a bakery's Instagram account, focusing on weekend specials"

Pitfall #2: Information Overload

❌ "Write about my company founded in 1995 by John Smith who was born in London and studied at Cambridge and worked for IBM for 15 years before starting this business which makes software for small businesses and has 50 employees and..."

✅ "Write a 2-paragraph company overview for our website. We're a software company founded in 1995, specialising in small business solutions with 50 employees."

Pitfall #3: Unrealistic Expectations

Remember: AI can't access real-time data, browse the internet, or know your personal information unless you provide it.

💡 Always provide necessary context and be realistic about what AI can deliver

Pitfall #4: Not Iterating

If the first response isn't perfect, refine your prompt rather than giving up.

💡 Try: "Make it more formal" or "Add more specific examples"

Success Strategy:

Start with the basics, test your prompt, then refine based on the results. Think of it as having a conversation, not giving a single command!

Knowledge Check & Certification

Final Assessment

Complete this quiz to test your understanding. You need 80% (4/5 correct) to earn your certificate.

Beginner's Guide to Prompting LLMs