A well-constructed AI prompt usually follows a clear and structured format, so the AI knows what is being requested and how to deliver the output. While prompts can vary depending on the use case; here’s a basic structure that increases the likelihood of receiving a useful, targeted response.
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Prompt Elements
Dash or Word Assistant Instructions Prefix: Show the AI where to look.
Example (when attaching docs): “Using only the attached documents,”
Example (when using web search): “Using only the web,”
Example (when using Dash from an opportunity page): “For this opportunity,”
Specific Request/Question: Clearly ask for what you need.
Example: “Please create a summary paragraph.”
Context/Background: Briefly describe the situation or need.
Example: “We are responding to a GSA schedule solicitation for cloud migration services.”
Objective/Goal: State what you want to achieve.
Example: “Our goal is to demonstrate our cybersecurity experience with federal clients.”
Constraints/Requirements: List any limitations, requirements, or relevant details.
Example: “Please highlight our relevant past performance, focusing on projects completed in the last three years; and also reference our NIST 800-171 compliance.”
Preferred Format/Output: Indicate how you want the answer delivered.
Example: “Please use a max of 500 words.”
Sample Prompt
Here’s a sample prompt that highlights the elements provided above:
“Using only the attached documents, please create a summary paragraph. We are responding to a GSA schedule solicitation for cloud migration services. Our goal is to demonstrate our cybersecurity experience with federal clients. Please highlight our relevant past performance, focusing on projects completed in the last three years; and also reference our NIST 800-171 compliance. Please use a max of 500 words.”
Happy prompting!
PROTips
Conversational prompts are more effective. The sample prompt above demonstrates how the different elements (prefix, question, context, objective, constraints, and format) can be combined naturally into a single, cohesive request.
The examples are a depiction of each element separately, while the sample prompt shows how those elements work together in practice. You are not required to follow the specific order, but we recommend that you always lead with the Instructions Prefix when working with Dash or Word Assistant.
When prompting within Word Assistant, make sure to highlight text related to your prompt before submitting your question.
Converse with the AI to get the most useful response. Prompting isn’t a one-and-done process. Sometimes, you’ll need to go back and forth a few times to get the answer you’re looking for.
If you get an answer that is totally off base, ask the AI why it provided that answer (for example: “why did you state xyz”). Most of the time, this is a simple misunderstanding, and by teaching the AI what you really meant, then you’ll be more successful in future chats.
Ask the AI if it knows how to do what you’re asking before you’re get started (for example: “do you know how to identify a conflict of interest?”). This can help you modify your prompt according to what the AI knows. This action gives you more context than the AI, but it can be a helpful action if you're prompting something new.
Every AI appreciates courteous language.