Does AI Sometimes Give You Onions When You Wanted Oranges?
Getting the right response from AI isn’t magic—it’s about knowing how to ask. You have an idea in your head, and you just need to get the AI on the same page. But sometimes, what seems like a simple request leads to something completely different from what you expected.
Prompt engineering is the art and science of crafting clear, effective prompts that guide AI towards the exact response you need.
Be Specific (Role, Constraints, Tone, and Style)
AI Misunderstanding You? Maybe It’s Not Psychic After All!
AI isn’t guessing—it’s following instructions. If it sees a little ambiguity, it will fill in the gaps itself, sometimes in ways you didn’t expect. The fix? Be specific.
Here’s how:
✅ Set the Role – AI adjusts its responses based on expertise. A chef and an explorer cooking over a campfire would have very different approaches to making dinner—so tell AI who it is.
📝 Example: “You are a professional chef. Explain how to make a perfect risotto.”
✅ Give Constraints – The less room for interpretation, the more precise the response. Define word count, format, or focus.
📝 Example: “Write a product description in 50 words or fewer.”
✅ Define Tone & Style – AI can sound formal or casual, witty or serious—so be clear on what you need.
📝 Example: “Write this sales email in a friendly, conversational tone.” vs. “Make this sound corporate and authoritative.”
Clear instructions lead to clear results. Otherwise, AI just makes assumptions—and that’s when things go off track.