Prompts that get you a better answer

Tips for a better answer

• Change one thing at a time between versions, so you learn what each part of the prompt does.
• Check the image tool’s rules on how you may use what it makes, especially for anything you sell.

An example, filled in

Turn my rough idea into a detailed prompt for an AI image tool. My idea: a cosy bookshop on a rainy evening, with a cat asleep in the window. It’s for the cover of our book club’s winter newsletter. Write a prompt that covers the subject, the setting, the style (such as watercolour, photo or flat illustration), the colours and mood, the composition and viewpoint, and what to leave out. Give me three versions in different styles, each under 80 words, written as clear, plain description. Avoid real people’s names, and well-known brands, characters or artists’ styles.

Tips for a better answer

• Write the headlines first. If they tell the story on their own, the presentation works.

An example, filled in

Help me plan a ten-minute presentation to parents at a school information evening about our new reading scheme. The one thing I want them to remember: ten minutes of reading at home each day makes a real difference. What I want them to do afterwards: sign up for the reading diary app. Give me a slide-by-slide plan, about one slide a minute. For each slide: a headline that states its point; what goes on it (a picture, a chart, a few words or a quote); and what I say, in two or three bullet points. Open with something that grabs attention, and end with the action. Keep the words on slides to a minimum, and the tone warm and confident.