How to Prompt and Get great Results
Let’s talk about:
What a prompt is and why it matters
How to write effective prompts
Use case: Extracting text from images
A recommended tool: Grammarly
What’s coming next week: Using ChatGPT in your work
What is a Prompt?
A prompt is simply the instruction you give an AI tool. It can be a question, a request, or a set of guidelines. The more detailed and specific your prompt, the better the AI’s response.
The prompts I write are largely based on existing content. In the example below I have a draft job description I want Gen AI to critique, suggest additions and evaluate how it complies with legal frameworks.
For example:
Instead of writing: “Write a job description for a church administrator.” (Too vague - will only get you some of the way)
Write this:
“Analyse the attached job description. Evaluate its effectiveness in clearly describing the role. Note areas where it could be improved, especially as it complies with New Zealand employment law. Then, write a new job description for the role of:” (Much better!)
Great prompts provide context, clear instructions, and desired outcomes.
How to Write Effective Prompts
To get high-quality responses, try these strategies:
Be Clear & Specific – Define the format, length, and purpose.
Request that the response be in a table format, a list, a first-person narrative etc.
State the number of words you need. (Note: sometimes the response will be less than you asked for. If this happens, say: I asked for … please rewrite to this word length.
Provide Context – Give background details so AI understands your needs.
If the role description (see above) is for an administrator working alone or unsupervised provide this context in your prompt.
Use Role-Based Prompts – Example: “You are a church HR expert...” – Then insert the details of your prompt.
Refine & Iterate – If the response isn’t quite right, tweak the prompt and try again.
Read the response. Has it missed anything? Do you have further information to provide? Does the tone need to be more casual, formal or personal?
Use Case:
Extracting Text from an Image for a Workshop Promo
I’m often sent PDF or image posters for events to promote through the diocese newsletter. It saves a lot of time if you can get AI to take the text from the poster and write up a promo for you.
In this example, you receive a photo of a poster advertising a Climate Change Workshop.
Here’s the best way to prompt AI:
🔹Step 1: Upload the image to ChatGPT
🔹Step 2: Use this prompt in ChatGPT:
"Extract the text from the attached poster for a Climate Change Workshop. Write an engaging web promo for a church-hosted Climate Change Workshop. Make it clear and inviting with all necessary details and a strong call to action."
Note: It’s always important to read the response for accuracy. Also, check for unnecessary use of hyperbole and language unsuited to your familiar tone.
Example AI-Generated Web Promo:
🌿 Join Us for a Climate Change Workshop! 🌍
The world is changing, and as kaitiaki of God’s creation, we are called to act. Join us for an inspiring and practical Climate Change Workshop at [Church Name] on Saturday, March 15, from 10 AM – 3 PM.
This workshop will feature expert speakers, hands-on activities, and eco-theology discussions on how we can care for our planet. Learn practical steps your church and community can take to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and advocate for environmental justice.
📍Location: [Church Name & Address]
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15
⏰Time: 10 AM – 3 PM (Lunch provided!)
Register now to reserve your spot!
🔗 [Registration Link]
Let’s live out our faith by caring for creation. 🌎✨
Recommended Tool: Grammarly
AI can help with writing, but Grammarly takes it further by improving grammar, clarity, and tone. It works across emails, documents, and we browsers.
Grammarly will help you edit on the fly and gain confidence in your writing.
How to Install Grammarly:
1️⃣ Visit Grammarly.com and create a free account.
2️⃣ Install the browser extension for Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
3️⃣ Enable Grammarly in Word, Gmail, and other apps to get real-time suggestions.
Grammarly ensures your AI-generated content is polished, professional, and easy to read.
