Craft Prompts Like a Pro

Prompting Techniques

Core Technique: ACDQ Framework

Break prompts into 4 pillars for precision:

Action: What should the AI do?
Weak: "Write about climate change."

Context: Background or role.
"...C (as a UN sustainability report aimed at policymakers)..."

Detail: Specific requirements.
"...D (include 2023 data, focus on Southeast Asia, use infographic-friendly bullet points)..."

Question: Direct the output format.
"...Q: Summarize findings in a 5-point list, each under 15 words."

Advanced ACDQ Variations:

ACDQ + 5W1H
Combine with Who, What, When, Where, Why, How:

Example:

A: "Write a press release..."
C: "...for a startup launching AI-powered tutoring (Who)."
D: "...announcing a free trial in Q4 2024 (When), targeting parents (Why)."
Q: "Structure the release with a headline, 3 key benefits, and a CTA."

Reverse ACDQ
Start with the desired output format (Q), then add constraints:
Example:
Q: "Output as a dialogue between two experts debating solutions."
D: "One argues for green tech subsidies; the other for carbon taxes."
C: "Set in a 2025 IPCC panel discussion."

ACDQ + Chain-of-Thought:
Example: "A: Explain how NFTs work. C: Assume I’m a novice. D: Use a 3-step analogy. Q: End with a one-sentence summary."

ACDQ + Negative Space:
Example: "D: Exclude technical jargon and blockchain history."