Prompt Engineering

Structure prompts (role, task, constraints, examples) and iterate.

30 min Prereqs: Getting Started

Learning Objectives Prompt Architecture Essential Patterns Quality Rubrics Iteration Methods Advanced Techniques Interactive Tools Resources

Learning Objectives

What you'll master in this module

Structure Prompts

Master the RTCE framework (Role, Task, Constraints, Examples) for consistent results

Apply Quality Rubrics

Use self-critique patterns and systematic evaluation for reliable outputs

Iterate Systematically

Improve weak areas while preserving what works through structured refinement

Recognize Failures

Identify and prevent common prompt failures before they occur

Adapt Patterns

Apply techniques across different use cases and AI assistant platforms

Prompt Architecture

Building blocks for effective prompts

Role & Context

Purpose: Establishes expertise and perspective

Example:
"You are a technical writing specialist with 10 years of experience..."

Task Definition

Purpose: Specific, measurable objective with clear success criteria

Example:
"Summarize this report in exactly 3 bullet points, each under 25 words..."

Constraints & Format

Purpose: Sets boundaries and output requirements

Example:
"Keep under 100 words, professional tone, markdown formatting..."

Examples & References

Purpose: Few-shot demonstrations of desired outputs

Example:
"Good: [sample output]. Avoid: [counter-example]..."

Interactive Prompt Builder

Role:

Task:

Constraints:

Examples:

Generated Prompt:

Your prompt will appear here...

Essential Patterns

Proven techniques for different scenarios

Chain-of-Thought Prompting

Break complex tasks into explicit reasoning steps:

1. First analyze the key themes
2. Then identify the most important points
3. Finally, structure as clear bullet points

Show your reasoning for each step.

Self-Critique Pattern

Build in quality control:

After drafting, rate your response 1-5 on:
- Clarity: Is it easy to understand?
- Completeness: Does it address all requirements?
- Accuracy: Are the facts correct?

Then revise any items scoring below 4.

Few-Shot Learning

Provide examples of desired behavior:

Good example: "Q3 results show 15% revenue growth."
Poor example: "We did pretty well this quarter."

Follow the good example pattern.

Multi-Step Workflows

Chain prompts for complex tasks:

Step 1: Extract key themes from this document...
Step 2: Using themes above, create outline...
Step 3: Write summary following the outline...

Quality Rubrics

Systematic evaluation and improvement

Universal Quality Rubric

Rate each dimension 1-5 (5 = excellent):

Clarity: Easy to understand and follow

Completeness: Addresses all requirements

Accuracy: Factually correct and precise

Tone: Appropriate for audience and context

Structure: Well-organized and formatted

Technical Writing Rubric

Precision of terminology
Logical flow of concepts
Code examples work correctly
Appropriate detail level

Business Communication Rubric

Professional tone maintained
Clear call-to-action
Stakeholder-appropriate language
Actionable next steps

Creative Content Rubric

Engaging and original
Consistent voice/style
Target audience appeal
Clear creative vision