Module 3 of 4Lesson 3 of 6~12 min
Describe a complete request
A vague request produces generic text, whatever the tool. This lesson teaches you to write a complete request, from context to constraints, and to understand what each element changes in the result. You also learn to describe the way you want AI to work with you on the task.
Lesson objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a complete request (task, context, examples, format, constraints) and explain what each element changes in the result.
Topics covered
- writing a prompt
- effective prompts
- context
- examples
Where it fits
The five-step method
How do I get from a real need to a useful deliverable, in a way I can repeat?
Lessons in this module
What you will learn in the course
This lesson is part of the course Put AI to work in your business
- Explain, on a concrete case, why an AI assistant makes things up, forgets or misses recent information, and decide how to use it accordingly.
- Sort data before giving it to an AI tool (allowed, anonymize first, forbidden) and configure the tool to match.
- Choose which tasks to hand to AI and how to work with it (automate, assist, delegate) based on value, risk and the data involved.
- Write a complete request (task, context, examples, format, constraints) and improve it over at least two documented iterations.
- Pick the right tool for a deliverable and justify the choice on data, cost, licensing and integration.
- Check AI output against an explicit checklist (facts, figures, sources, tone, compliance) before using it.
- Turn a successful use into a reusable workflow with human checkpoints, and set the team's rules of use in an AI policy.
Related courses
- Understand what LLMs do well, and where they failAll levels · ~2 hr
- Choosing and using AI tools at workAll levels · ~1 hr 40 min
- Prompting for product managers: delegate, describe, verifyJunior · ~2 hr 45 min