Generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) is transforming the way the world works—enhancing research, streamlining writing, and assisting with everything from scheduling to cybersecurity. But with such a wide range of capabilities, how do you ensure you’re using it effectively? Or correctly? Read on to learn how to frame your prompts to ensure AI works the way you want it to.
Power of the prompt
The power of AI lies in the quality, and specificity, of the prompts you ask it. Phrase questions and tasks clearly and think critically to get better results.
Some prompts generate better results than others. A vague request can deliver an unhelpful or misleading response, while a well-structured prompt yields a useful and relevant answer.
Here’s how to refine your prompts for better results:
- Email invite: A prompt like “Write an email inviting people to a meeting in July” is too broad and lacks important details. A stronger version would be: “Write a concise, professional invite for faculty and VIPs to an AI ethics workshop on July 3 at the Student Center.”
- Summarizing notes: Don’t ask AI to summarize your notes. Instead, use it to make studying more efficient. Try: “Summarize these lecture notes on the water cycle into key takeaways I can study from.” This keeps the focus on learning while saving time. You still drive the process—AI just helps organize the information so it’s easier to review and remember.
It’s also important to understand what NOT to include in AI prompts, including:
- Personal data: Avoid names, phone numbers, or confidential records.
- University-sensitive materials: Never input proprietary research, unpublished work, or internal documents.
For more details, please review Northeastern University’s Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems.
Writing better prompts
Generative AI can be a helpful tool for organizing thoughts, summarizing information, and preparing materials. Whether studying for a class, preparing to teach one, or managing a project, the key is to write clear, specific prompts that guide the AI effectively.
For students:
Instead of: “Explain this whole chapter.”
Try: “Summarize my class notes on the nervous system into five main points and define key terms.”
For employees:
Instead of: “Write a report.”
Try: “Draft a bulleted outline for a one-page summary of last quarter’s IT training feedback, based on this data.”
For faculty:
Instead of: “Create a syllabus.”
Try: “Generate a draft schedule for a 14-week undergraduate course on digital ethics, including weekly topics and suggested readings.”
These prompts support learning, planning, and productivity while keeping users in control of the work.
More AI tips
Gen AI is a powerful tool, but it’s only as effective as the prompts you provide. By applying these strategies, students, faculty, and staff can leverage AI effectively for research, writing, and problem-solving.
Want more AI tips? Start by reading How do I write prompts for generative AI services? Visit the CATLR Tips and Tutorials library for ideas about AI use in teaching and learning.