Google Gemini, like other generative AI models, responds best to clear, specific, and well-structured prompts. Effective prompt writing can significantly improve the quality and relevance of the output you receive.

Key Principles for Writing Effective Gemini Prompts: #

1. Be Clear and Specific:
   • Avoid vague language. Clearly state what you want Gemini to do.
   • Instead of: “Tell me about project management.”
   • Try: “Explain the five key phases of project management in a business context, providing a brief description for each phase.”
2. Provide Context:
   • The more relevant background information you give Gemini, the better it can tailor its response.
   • Example: “I am drafting an email to a client who has missed a deadline. The project is [Project Name], and the missed deadline was for [Task Name] on [Date]. I need to be polite but firm. Help me draft this email.”
3. Define the Desired Output Format:
   • Specify how you want the information presented.
   • Examples: “List the pros and cons in bullet points.”, “Write a short paragraph.”, “Generate a table with three columns: Feature, Benefit, Example.”, “Provide the answer in the style of a formal business report.”
4. Specify the Role or Persona (if applicable):
   • You can ask Gemini to adopt a certain persona for its response.
   • Example: “Explain blockchain technology as if you were talking to a complete beginner with no technical background.” or “Write a product description for a new eco-friendly water bottle from the perspective of a marketing manager.”
5. Set Constraints or Length:
   • If you need a concise answer or a specific length, mention it.
   • Example: “Summarise this document in three key bullet points.” or “Write a blog post introduction of approximately 100 words.”
6. Ask for Steps or a Plan:
   • For complex tasks, ask Gemini to break it down.
   • Example: “Outline the steps involved in planning a small business workshop.”
7. Iterate and Refine:
   • Your first prompt might not always yield the perfect result. Don’t hesitate to refine your prompt and try again.
   • Ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on Gemini’s previous response. Example: “Can you elaborate on point number three?” or “Provide more examples for the second benefit you listed.”
8. Use Keywords Effectively:
   • Include important keywords related to your topic to help Gemini focus.
9. For Creative Tasks, Encourage Options:
   • Example: “Suggest five different taglines for a new coffee shop.”
10. Specify Tone:
    • Indicate the desired tone of the response.
    • Example: “Write a formal complaint letter.”, “Draft a friendly reminder email.”, “Explain this complex topic in a simple and encouraging tone.”

Tips for Gemini in Google Workspace: #

• When using Gemini within Workspace apps (like the side panel in Docs or Gmail), it often has context from the document or email you are viewing. Leverage this by asking questions directly related to that content.
• When asking Gemini to search across your Workspace data (Drive, Gmail), be as specific as possible about project names, date ranges, senders/recipients, or keywords to help it find the most relevant information.

By practising these prompt writing techniques, you can harness the power of Google Gemini more effectively for a wide range of tasks.