What is a Prompt?

A prompt is your instruction to the AI - comparable to an order in a restaurant

The Restaurant Analogy

Imagine you're ordering at a restaurant. The more precisely you describe what you want - "A juicy steak, medium, with herb butter and seasonal vegetables" - the better your dish will be. The same principle applies to AI.

Example of a good prompt:

"Explain to me what a prompt is, as if I were a 10-year-old. Use a simple example from everyday life."

The perfect prompt consists of:

Each building block fulfills a specific function. Click on the cards for examples.

1

Context

The framework of your request

"I am 68 years old, retired, and want to use AI for my hobby photography..."
2

Role

Who should the AI play?

"You are a patient photography teacher with experience in senior education..."
3

Task

What should be achieved?

"Explain to me step by step how I can improve my landscape photos with AI..."
4

Format

How should the answer look?

"Use simple language, numbered steps, and concrete examples from everyday life."
5

Constraints

What should be avoided?

"Avoid technical terms without explanation and stay under 300 words."
"A good prompt is like a good conversation starter - it opens the door to a productive dialog."

How to Improve Your Prompts

Concrete examples from practice with the 5 building blocks

Photography Tip

Weak
How do I take better photos?
Too general No role No format
+5 Blocks
Strong
Context

I am a beginner in landscape photography.

Role

You are an experienced photographer.

Task

Give me 5 concrete tips for better shots at sunrise.

Format

Use numbered lists with example photos.

Constraints

Avoid expensive special equipment.

Writing an Email

Weak
Write an email to the landlord.
No context No details
+5 Blocks
Strong
Context

I am a tenant in an apartment with a defective radiator.

Role

You are a polite but assertive communication expert.

Task

Write a polite complaint email to the landlord.

Format

Maximum 150 words, professional tone, with request for quick repair.

Constraints

No legal threats.

Health Tip

Weak
What helps against back pain?
Too unspecific No target group
+5 Blocks
Strong
Context

I am 70 years old, have mild back pain when gardening, and don't want to take medication.

Role

You are a physiotherapist with senior experience.

Task

Recommend 3 gentle exercises for the lower back.

Format

Simple instructions with image descriptions.

Constraints

No strenuous exercises, always include note: Consult doctor for stronger pain.

"The clearer your request, the better the response."

Build Your Own Prompt

Fill in the building blocks and see your perfect prompt emerge

Your finished prompt:

[Context] [Role] [Task] [Format] [Constraints]

How well do you know the 5 building blocks?

Test your understanding in 3 questions

1

Which building block defines who the AI should play?

2

What is the purpose of the Context building block?

3

Which building block should NEVER be missing?

Sprint 2 of 3

Your Progress

Sprint 2: 3 Modules · Dialog & Prompting · Step by Step

Current

Dialog Basics

Module 03 · The 5 Building Blocks

Coming Soon

System Prompts

Module 04 · Roles & Context

Coming Soon

Chain of Thought

Module 05 · Structured Thinking

Module 03 completed!

You now know the 5 building blocks of perfect prompts. Time for system prompts and role definition!

To Module 04: System Prompts