Like a first date: First impressions matter! Learn how to properly greet AI and set the tone from the start.
Imagine entering a restaurant. Your first sentence to the waiter determines how the entire evening goes. Do you just say "Food" – or "I'd like a table for two by the window, and I'm allergic to nuts"?
The same applies to AI. A good first prompt is like a perfect handshake – it sets the framework for everything that follows.
"Write something about climate"
Too vague – AI doesn't know what you want
"I'm a student (15) and need 3 facts about climate change for my presentation. Please use simple language, bullet points."
Who, What, How – everything clear!
Select the building blocks for your perfect first prompt:
A system prompt is like the game instructions you give the AI at the beginning. It stays active for the entire conversation.
Imagine telling an actor before the play: "You are a friendly teacher who uses simple words." The actor stays in that role – just like the AI.
"Always respond in simple language, as if you're talking to a 12-year-old. Use short sentences."
"You are a physics professor. Respond in detail with technical terms."
"You are a creative writer. Respond with vivid imagery and metaphors."
Compare the same greeting in German and English:
"Ich bin Schüler, 15 Jahre. Brauche Hilfe bei Mathe. Bitte erkläre Schritt für Schritt."
"I'm a student, 15 years old. Need help with math. Please explain step by step."
Observation: Both work well! But: English can often distinguish more subtly (e.g., "step by step" vs "explain simply"). Try both and remember what works better!
Situation: You have to give a school speech about environmental protection.
Situation: You're studying for an English exam and need help with grammar.
Situation: You want to explain AI to a friend but don't fully understand it yourself.
1. What's missing in this prompt: "Explain math"?
2. What does a system prompt do?
You now master the perfect greeting!