Prepare Framework for Writing Prompts
Dan Fitzpatick’s PREPARE framework is designed to help users think about how to best write prompts for generative AI tools like Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT. The framework is outlined below.
Prompt
Prompting is the first step when framing your request. By providing the prompt, you are setting the scene and creating a foundation for the rest of the instructions. It’s vital to provide a clear and concise command. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that could confuse.
Role
When you assign it a role, you help build context for the AI so that it can achieve what you want it to accomplish. It helps it know how to approach the question and provide an accurate and relevant response. You are essentially telling it what hat to wear for the task at hand.
Explicit
Be clear and specific about what you want it to do or what information you’re looking for. Don’t assume that it knows what you’re thinking or what you need. By giving explicit instructions, you ensure it is on the same page as you.
Use your existing expertise to instruct it on:
- The pedagogical approach you want
- The subject knowledge you want it to focus on
Parameters
Setting clear parameters means defining the scope and boundaries of the answer, which helps it understand what you’re looking for while enabling it to provide a more accurate response. The aim is to be in control of the response, and without clear parameters, the AI tool will take control.
- Parameters to consider include:
- Tone of voice
- Language
- Word length
- Number of paragraphs
- Length of sentences
- Sentiment
- Format
- Reading age
Ask
Ask it to ask you questions that will help it provide you with a more thorough and quality response. Instruct it to do this in bullet points, so it’s easier for you to read.
Rate
Ask it to rate the quality of the response it is giving you and to give evidence for this rating. This will help you understand its thought process, so you can ask it to improve or adjust your prompt to get better results.
Emotions
Appeal to its emotional side (strange, right?). Emphasize the importance of getting this right.
Citation: Fitzpatrick, D. (n.d.). A new prompting framework to help you get the most out of ai. The Sunday AI Educator. https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/282063/emails/104000432553068105
There are tons of frameworks for prompting generative AI tools. PREPARE is one. You might prefer another option. Check out some of these other AI prompting frameworks:
