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Module 1.5

Example: Writing a Blog Post

Let's walk through the process of creating a comprehensive blog post about sustainable gardening, seeing how different prompt engineering techniques work together to achieve better results.

Initial Setup

AI: What can I help with?  
  You: I need to write a blog post about sustainable gardening. Before we start, I'd like you to act as both a master gardener and an experienced content writer. Can you confirm these roles?
AI: Yes, I'll approach this from the perspective of someone with extensive gardening knowledge and content writing expertise. What specific aspects of sustainable gardening would you like to focus on?  

 

Why We Did This:

  • We established dual expertise roles right from the start
  • The roles are specific and relevant to our task
  • We asked for confirmation to ensure understanding
  • This setup helps ensure both technical accuracy and engaging writing

 

Topic Development

  You: Let's start by identifying the key topics we should cover. What would you recommend for a comprehensive but beginner-friendly article?
AI: Based on my gardening and writing expertise, here are the key topics I'd recommend for beginners:

1. Understanding Sustainable Gardening
   - Definition and importance
   - Basic principles
   - Environmental benefits

2. Essential Starting Points
   - Soil health and composting
   - Water conservation methods
   - Native plant selection

3. Common Beginner Practices
   - Companion planting
   - Natural pest control
   - Waste reduction strategies

Would you like to focus on any particular aspects of these topics?		  
  You: This looks good. Could you also consider adding a section about seasonal considerations?
AI: Absolutely! Here's how we could incorporate seasonal considerations:
[Previous topics remain, plus:]

4. Year-Round Sustainable Gardening
   - Seasonal planting guides
   - Adapting practices for different weather
   - Maintaining sustainability in challenging seasons

Would you like me to break down any of these sections further before we start creating the outline?		  

 

Why We Did This:

  • Let the AI leverage its established expertise
  • Started broad and then narrowed focus
  • Added our own requirements naturally
  • Built upon the AI's suggestions
  • Maintained the beginner-friendly focus

 

Creating the Structure

  You: Based on those topics, could you create an outline following this structure:
- Introduction
- [3-4 main sections]
- Practical tips
- Conclusion
AI: Here's a structured outline incorporating our discussed topics:

Introduction
- Hook: Environmental impact of traditional gardening
- Why sustainable gardening matters
- What readers will learn

[Detailed outline...]

Would you like me to expand on any section of this outline?		  
  You: Great outline. Let's pause here - can you summarize the key points we'll cover in each section? I want to ensure we're maintaining the beginner-friendly approach we discussed.
AI: I'll summarize the key points with a beginner-friendly focus:

Introduction
- Simple explanation of sustainability in gardening
- Clear benefits for both gardeners and environment
- Roadmap of what they'll learn (no technical jargon)

[Summaries of other sections...]

Does this alignment with our beginner-friendly approach feel right to you?		  

 

Why We Did This:

  • Provided clear structure requirements
  • Used a checkpoint to verify approach
  • Maintained focus on audience needs
  • Built on previously established content

 

Creating Content

  You: Perfect. Now, let's focus on the introduction. Can you draft it with an emphasis on engaging beginners?
AI: Here's a draft introduction, keeping our beginner audience in mind:

"Have you ever wondered how your garden could help save the planet? Sustainable gardening isn't just a trending phrase – it's a simple yet powerful way to create beautiful outdoor spaces while protecting our environment. Whether you're a first-time gardener or looking to make your existing garden more eco-friendly, this guide will show you how small changes can make a big difference.

[Rest of introduction...]"

Would you like me to adjust the tone or add any specific elements to this introduction?		  

 

Why We Did This:

  • Focused on one section at a time
  • Maintained consistent voice and audience awareness
  • Asked for specific feedback
  • Kept building on established framework

 

The Whole Picture

While this conversation was broken down into individual sections that we could focus on, the whole thread would look be much longer. We added spaces between each of the sections in the thread below so you can see where it was broken down. 

AI: What can I help with?  
  You: I need to write a blog post about sustainable gardening. Before we start, I'd like you to act as both a master gardener and an experienced content writer. Can you confirm these roles?
AI: Yes, I'll approach this from the perspective of someone with extensive gardening knowledge and content writing expertise. What specific aspects of sustainable gardening would you like to focus on?  
   
  You: Let's start by identifying the key topics we should cover. What would you recommend for a comprehensive but beginner-friendly article?
AI: Based on my gardening and writing expertise, here are the key topics I'd recommend for beginners:

1. Understanding Sustainable Gardening
   - Definition and importance
   - Basic principles
   - Environmental benefits

2. Essential Starting Points
   - Soil health and composting
   - Water conservation methods
   - Native plant selection

3. Common Beginner Practices
   - Companion planting
   - Natural pest control
   - Waste reduction strategies

Would you like to focus on any particular aspects of these topics?		  
  You: This looks good. Could you also consider adding a section about seasonal considerations?
AI: Absolutely! Here's how we could incorporate seasonal considerations:
[Previous topics remain, plus:]

4. Year-Round Sustainable Gardening
   - Seasonal planting guides
   - Adapting practices for different weather
   - Maintaining sustainability in challenging seasons

Would you like me to break down any of these sections further before we start creating the outline?		  
   
  You: Based on those topics, could you create an outline following this structure:
- Introduction
- [3-4 main sections]
- Practical tips
- Conclusion
AI: Here's a structured outline incorporating our discussed topics:

Introduction
- Hook: Environmental impact of traditional gardening
- Why sustainable gardening matters
- What readers will learn

[Detailed outline...]

Would you like me to expand on any section of this outline?		  
  You: Great outline. Let's pause here - can you summarize the key points we'll cover in each section? I want to ensure we're maintaining the beginner-friendly approach we discussed.
AI: I'll summarize the key points with a beginner-friendly focus:

Introduction
- Simple explanation of sustainability in gardening
- Clear benefits for both gardeners and environment
- Roadmap of what they'll learn (no technical jargon)

[Summaries of other sections...]

Does this alignment with our beginner-friendly approach feel right to you?		  
   
  You: Perfect. Now, let's focus on the introduction. Can you draft it with an emphasis on engaging beginners?
AI: Here's a draft introduction, keeping our beginner audience in mind:

"Have you ever wondered how your garden could help save the planet? Sustainable gardening isn't just a trending phrase – it's a simple yet powerful way to create beautiful outdoor spaces while protecting our environment. Whether you're a first-time gardener or looking to make your existing garden more eco-friendly, this guide will show you how small changes can make a big difference.

[Rest of introduction...]"

Would you like me to adjust the tone or add any specific elements to this introduction?		  

 

Key Techniques Used in This Example

Throughout this conversation, we've seen several prompt engineering techniques working together. Like instruments in an orchestra, each technique plays its own part while contributing to a harmonious whole. Let's break down the key techniques and see how they created a successful outcome:

  • Role Setting
    • Established specific expertise
    • Maintained consistent perspective
    • Leveraged combined knowledge
  • Iterative Development
    • Built content progressively
    • Added complexity gradually
    • Verified understanding at each stage
  • Context Management
    • Maintained consistent focus
    • Referenced previous decisions
    • Built upon established framework
  • Structure and Organization
    • Used clear formats
    • Broke down complex topics
    • Maintained logical flow

 

What Makes This Approach Successful

Looking back at our conversation, we can see how each technique contributed to the final result:

  • Role setting gave us expert guidance from the start
  • Iterative development helped us build complexity naturally
  • Context management kept everything aligned
  • Structure and organization maintained clarity

Most importantly, these techniques worked together seamlessly. We didn't just use them one at a time – they supported and enhanced each other throughout the conversation.

 

Try It Yourself!

Choose a topic you'd like to write about and follow this pattern:

  1. Set up relevant expertise roles
  2. Develop main topics iteratively
  3. Create a structured outline
  4. Verify alignment with goals
  5. Develop content section by section

Putting It All Together

Now that you've completed this practice experience, be sure to check out the next example!

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