Artificial Intelligence can be a powerful tool—if used intentionally to supplement our own strengths in complex thinking, intuition, and creativity. To get the best results, Rachel Holmes, a recent graduate from Iowa State University studying generative AI in business communications, recommends that individuals focus on two key areas to create truly valuable experiences: advanced prompting techniques and knowledge base development.
Prompting is how you guide AI to create a specific output aligned to unique goals and objectives. Advanced prompting techniques, such as structured prompting and flipped interaction prompting, allow users to cater their AI experience. A structured prompt more clearly organizes the AI’s task and desired output. Using a method like TRACI (Task, Role, Audience, Context, Intent) helps AI understand not just what to do, but how and why to do it.
For example, instead of saying “Write a LinkedIn post,” a structured prompt might say:
“Act as a social media manager. Write three posts for small business owners promoting the attached blog. Use a tone aligned to our brand and avoid emojis.” Additionally, adding examples to train the AI how to produce the output you want helps it make decisions more aligned to your desired outputs.
Another technique—flipped interaction—asks the AI to lead by asking you questions first to gain more strategic and contextual insights to the task. Flipped interaction helps you thoroughly consider a task by simulating an interview, turning the AI into a collaborative partner in getting work done. This collaborative style is ideal for more strategic tasks.
In addition to prompting techniques, a clear knowledge base ensures AI uses the right information. Building a knowledge base is very dependent on the unique type of task, but it might include messaging documents, customer information, and pre-existing public-facing content. Organized, plain-text content with consistent language makes it easier for AI to deliver accurate and useful results.
When combined, strong prompts and knowledge bases help companies create efficient, AI-driven tools—from content creation to onboarding and training.
To learn more, watch the recent AI virtual event recording.
Contact Paul Gormley at gormley@iastate.edu to learn more.