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What simple "Prompt Engineering" tricks should I be using to get better results from AI

Becca Lough

Ever used an AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude and thought, “This answer could be better”?

You’re not alone. The truth is, most people never learn how to talk to AI the right way—and they miss out on what these tools can really do.

At SOLVD, we help companies get real results from AI. That starts with something called prompt engineering—but don’t let the name scare you. It’s just a fancy way of saying, “Ask smarter questions.”

“Prompt engineering sounds complicated, but trust me, it’s actually super easy.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

Here are five simple tricks that can help you get way better answers from AI—starting today.

1. Be Clear and Give Context

The more specific you are, the better the answer you’ll get. Don’t just say, “Summarize this.” Say what to include, how long it should be, and who it’s for.

“By being bold, specific... you set the AI up for success.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

✅ Example:

“Summarize the key findings about the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems in under 100 words. Focus on the main threats and proposed solutions.”

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Instead of saying “make it professional” or “write a table,” show what you mean. Give the AI an example of the format or tone you want.

“Providing examples... is incredibly effective.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

✅ Example:

“Compare Tool A and Tool B in a table format. Include categories like price, key features, user reviews, and support options. Format it like the sample below.”

This gives AI something concrete to follow.

3. Focus on What to Do (and Set a Persona)

Positive direction works better than saying what not to do. And if you want a specific tone or level of expertise, tell the AI who it should “be.”

“Imagine you are a friendly and knowledgeable tutor...” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

✅ Example:

“Explain photosynthesis in simple terms. You are a helpful tutor teaching a high school student.”

The result? More human, more helpful, more accurate.

4. Iterate and Refine

Think of prompting as a conversation. You won’t always get it right the first time—and that’s okay. Keep adjusting until you get what you need.

“Each prompt is a step in guiding the AI toward your desired result.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

Start broad, then narrow it down:

First: “Tell me about the history of the internet.”

Then: “List three milestones in the development of the web since Tim Berners-Lee.”

5. Know the Limits

AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. It doesn’t know real-time data, can’t access personal info, and sometimes makes things up.

“Understand limits and experiment mindfully.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

✅ Don’t ask for:

  • Live stock prices
  • Private user data
  • Legal or medical advice

Knowing what AI can (and can’t) do helps you use it with confidence—and avoid frustration.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a developer or AI expert to get great results from these tools. You just need to learn how to talk to them.

Start with these five tips:

  1. Be clear and give context
  2. Show examples
  3. Use positive instructions and set a role
  4. Refine your prompts
  5. Know the tool’s limits
“Think of it like giving your AI a superpower upgrade.” - Ella Neumarker, SOLVD Consultant

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📅 Book a free consultation at SOLVD.cloud and get expert guidance from our team.