Module 1: Foundations of Prompt Engineering
Welcome to Module 1: Foundations of Prompt Engi-
neering
This module is designed for non-technical learners, such as office workers or managers, to
master prompt engineering for everyday tasks. No coding skills are needed! You’ll learn
to craft clear, effective prompts to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, and
Perplexity AI to save time on emails, reports, and more. Follow the steps, try examples,
and complete exercises.
Step 1: Introduction to Prompt Engineering
What is Prompt Engineering?
Prompt engineering is writing clear instructions (prompts) for AI to get useful responses,
like directing a helpful but literal-minded assistant. Its key for office tasks like drafting
emails or summarizing data.
Why It Matters
Good prompts save time by avoiding vague AI outputs. They help with repetitive tasks,
making you more productive.
Tools You’ll Use
• ChatGPT: Great for creative writing (chat.openai.com).
• Claude: Thoughtful, detailed responses (claude.ai).
• Grok: Quick, witty insights (grok.com or x.com).
• Gemini: Strong for research (gemini.google.com).
• Perplexity AI: Best for sourced summaries (perplexity.ai).
Getting Started
Sign up for a free account on any tool. Try a simple prompt: “Tell me a joke.” Then,
compare with: “Explain AI to a 10-year-old.”
Exercise 1: In ChatGPT or Grok, try both prompts. Note how the second is simpler.
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Step 2: Understanding Key Concepts
2.1 Clarity: Be Specific
Vague prompts give vague answers. Include details like length or format.
• Bad: “Write about marketing.”
• Good: “Write a 200-word summary of digital marketing strategies for small busi-
nesses, including SEO and social media tips.”
Steps: Identify goal, add specifics, check for ambiguity.
Exercise 2: In Gemini, compare: “Help with email” vs. “Draft a professional email
inviting my team to a Friday 2 PM meeting, including agenda: project update, Q&A.”
2.2 Context: Provide Background
Give AI context, like briefing a colleague.
• Bad: “Summarize this.”
• Good: “I’m a sales manager. Summarize key sales trends from this data: Q1: $50K,
Q2: $60K, Q3: $45K. Focus on declines.”
Steps: Describe role, add relevant details, keep it concise.
Exercise 3: In Claude, try: “Explain cloud computing” vs. “I’m preparing for a client
meeting in tech. Explain cloud computing basics for a non-tech client.”
2.3 Intent: State Your Goal
Clarify if you want ideas, analysis, or edits.
• Bad: “Ideas for team building.”
• Good: “Brainstorm 5 low-cost team-building activities for a remote team of 10.
List pros and cons.”
Steps: Start with “My goal is...”, specify output, explain why.
Exercise 4: In Perplexity, try: “My intent is to research competitors. List top 3 email
marketing tools for small businesses, with pricing and features.”
2.4 Tone Adjustment: Match Style
Specify tone (formal, casual) to fit your audience.
• Bad: “Write a thank you note.”
• Good: “Write a formal thank you email to a client for their business, professional
and grateful, under 100 words.”
Steps: Define audience, use tone keywords, test variations.
Exercise 5: In Grok, compare: “Write a meeting recap” vs. “Write a casual meeting
recap for my team, upbeat, highlighting wins.”
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Step 3: Asking AI the Right Way
The 5-Step Prompt Formula
1. State intent (e.g., “Generate a list...”).
2. Add context (e.g., “I’m a project manager...”).
3. Be specific (e.g., “5 items, with examples”).
4. Adjust tone (e.g., “professional”).
5. Ask for refinement (e.g., “Suggest improvements if needed”).
Avoid Mistakes
• Too short: AI guesses wrong.
• Too long: Overwhelms AI.
• No examples: Include one if possible.
Exercise 6: In ChatGPT, try: “My intent is to outline a weekly sales report. Context:
Sales $10K this week, up 20%. Use bullet points, professional tone. Suggest visuals.”
Step 4: Strong Prompts for Office Tasks
4.1 Drafting Emails
• Weak: “Write an email.”
• Strong: “Draft a polite email to my boss requesting a day off next Friday for a
family event. Context: Deadlines met. Tone: Professional, concise.”
4.2 Summarizing Documents/Meetings
• Weak: “Summarize this meeting.”
• Strong: “Summarize key points from these notes [paste notes]. Focus on marketing
team action items. Bullet points, professional.”
4.3 Brainstorming Ideas
• Weak: “Ideas for presentation.”
• Strong: “Brainstorm 3 creative ideas for a sales presentation on eco-friendly prod-
ucts. Audience: Corporate clients. Include visuals. Enthusiastic tone.”
4.4 Data Analysis/Lists
• Weak: “Analyze sales.”
• Strong: “Analyze sales data: Jan $5K, Feb $7K. Identify trends, suggest improve-
ments for retail. Table format, neutral tone.”
Exercise 7: Pick 2 office tasks. Write weak and strong prompts. Test in Claude or
Gemini.
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Table 1: Office Task Prompt Examples
Task Weak Prompt Strong Prompt Benefit
Email Email about de- Professional email Ready-to-send
lay. apologizing for a email.
one-day project delay,
explain supplier issue,
new timeline.
Summary Notes from call. Summarize call tran- Organized re-
script [paste text] into cap.
5 bullet points on de-
cisions. Formal.
Ideas Marketing tips. 4 marketing tips for Actionable
new app, budget $500. ideas.
Casual, with exam-
ples.
Step 5: Hands-On Practice with Tools
Each tool shines differently:
• ChatGPT: Creative writing.
• Claude: Deep analysis.
• Grok: Quick brainstorming.
• Gemini: Fact-based research.
• Perplexity: Sourced summaries.
Exercise 8: Pick a task (e.g., thank-you email). Write a strong prompt. Test in 2–3
tools. Compare results, tweak, and re-test.
Step 6: Summary and Advanced Tips
Key Takeaways
• Use clarity, context, intent, tone for strong prompts.
• Practice makes perfectstart with office tasks.
• Mix tools for best results.
Advanced Tips
• Chain Prompts: Follow up with “Add more details on X.”
• Role-Playing: Use “Act as an office assistant.”
• Length Control: Specify word count.
• Ethics: Review AI outputs for accuracy.
• Pitfall: AI may “hallucinate” factscross-check.
Final Assessment: Create a prompt for a real office task using all concepts. Test in
Grok, refine, and aim for a usable response.
