Chapter 7: Common Approaches Used by Prompt Crafters: PAI, STAR, PSB, COMO, CAR, MOAO, and OPSA

As you develop your skills in AI prompt crafting, you may encounter various approaches that help you generate the desired output more effectively. In this chapter, we will explore seven common approaches used by prompt crafters: PAI, STAR, PSB, COMO, CAR, MOAO, and OPSA.

7.1 PAI: Purpose, Audience, Information

The PAI approach emphasizes defining the Purpose, Audience, and Information of a prompt:

1. Purpose: Clearly state the objective or goal of the generated content.

2. Audience: Specify the target readership or user group.

3. Information: Provide relevant background information, context, or examples.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write an informative and engaging article (Purpose) for a general audience interested in technology (Audience), discussing the benefits and drawbacks of electric vehicles, including data on their environmental impact and cost-effectiveness (Information)."

7.2 STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result

The STAR approach focuses on defining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of a prompt:

1. Situation: Describe the context or setting.

2. Task: Define the challenge, problem, or objective.

3. Action: Specify the actions or steps to be taken.

4. Result: Indicate the expected outcome or resolution.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write a short story about a young inventor (Situation) who must build a machine to save her village from an impending natural disaster (Task). Detail her struggles, breakthroughs, and the construction of the machine (Action), ultimately resulting in the successful protection of her village (Result)."

7.3 PSB: Problem, Solution, Benefit

The PSB approach emphasizes framing a prompt in terms of a Problem, Solution, and Benefit:

1. Problem: Identify the issue or challenge to be addressed.

2. Solution: Propose a specific solution or approach.

3. Benefit: Explain the positive impact or advantages of the solution.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write a persuasive essay arguing for the adoption of solar energy (Solution) as a means to combat climate change (Problem), focusing on the environmental, economic, and social benefits (Benefit) of this renewable energy source."

7.4 COMO: Comparison, Outcome, Method, Opinion

The COMO approach involves Comparison, Outcome, Method, and Opinion:

1. Comparison: Contrast two or more concepts, ideas, or products.

2. Outcome: Analyze the results, consequences, or implications of each choice.

3. Method: Describe the process or means by which the outcomes are achieved.

4. Opinion: Offer a personal viewpoint or evaluation of the subject matter.

Example:

• Prompt: "Compare the effects of a plant-based diet and a traditional Western diet on human health (Comparison), discussing the potential health outcomes (Outcome) and the role of specific dietary components in each case (Method). Conclude with a personal recommendation based on the evidence

7.5 CAR: Context, Action, Result

The CAR approach focuses on establishing the Context, Action, and Result of a prompt:

1. Context: Set the scene or background of the situation.

2. Action: Define the specific actions or steps taken.

3. Result: Describe the outcome or consequences of those actions.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write a case study of a successful startup (Context) detailing the innovative strategies they employed to disrupt their industry (Action) and the resulting growth and impact on the market (Result)."

7.6 MOAO: Motivation, Obstacle, Action, Outcome

The MOAO approach involves Motivation, Obstacle, Action, and Outcome:

1. Motivation: Describe the driving force or goal behind an action or decision.

2. Obstacle: Identify the challenges or barriers to be overcome.

3. Action: Specify the steps taken to address the obstacle.

4. Outcome: Explain the results or consequences of the action.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write a motivational blog post about a person who, driven by a desire to improve their health (Motivation), faces the challenge of incorporating exercise into their busy schedule (Obstacle). Describe the practical steps they took to overcome this barrier (Action) and the positive impact on their well-being (Outcome)."

7.7 OPSA: Objective, Problem, Solution, Application

The OPSA approach includes Objective, Problem, Solution, and Application:

1. Objective: Define the goal or purpose of the content.

2. Problem: Describe the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.

3. Solution: Propose a specific solution or approach to the problem.

4. Application: Explain how the solution can be implemented or applied in practice.

Example:

• Prompt: "Create a user guide for a productivity app (Objective), addressing common challenges users may face when trying to manage their time effectively (Problem). Outline the app's key features and functionality as solutions to these challenges (Solution) and provide step-by-step instructions for using the app to maximize productivity (Application)."

By understanding and applying these common approaches to AI prompt crafting, you can generate more focused, relevant, and engaging content across a wide range of applications. As you experiment with these methods, you will further develop your skills in guiding AI language models like ChatGPT, enabling you to harness their full potential in your work and creative endeavours.