TLDR;
This video presents a practical approach to improving AI prompts by leveraging AI itself and readily available tools, rather than relying on complex prompt engineering techniques. It outlines three methods: directly asking AI to generate prompts, using a reverse AI interview technique for more complex scenarios, and utilizing prompt optimizer tools from OpenAI and Anthropic. The key takeaway is that anyone can significantly improve their AI prompts by knowing how to ask the right questions and utilizing the right tools, without needing to become a prompt engineering expert.
- Asking AI to write the prompt for you
- Reverse AI Interview
- Using prompt optimizer tools from OpenAI and Anthropic
Intro [0:00]
The creator admits to not writing prompts from scratch for over a year, despite building complex AI applications. Instead of following the trend of sharing lengthy "miracle prompts" or selling prompt engineering courses, they've been using a simple trick to improve prompts consistently. The video aims to teach viewers how to use AI to enhance their prompts in just 15 minutes, replacing the need for prompt templates.
Simply ask AI [0:33]
The video introduces two AI-driven tactics for improving prompts: a simple method and a more complex "AI interview" method, plus a dedicated prompt optimizer tool. The choice between the simple and complex methods depends on the stakes of the task and the clarity of the idea. The simple method is recommended for most situations, where you basically ask AI to write the prompt for you. The base prompt involves asking the AI (e.g., ChatGPT5) to create a system prompt for a specific task, such as rewriting emails and newsletters for clarity and simplicity. It emphasizes specifying the AI model and current date for relevant best practices. An example is shown where the AI researches and generates an improved prompt, which can then be further refined using an optimization tool to reduce verbosity. The key is to start small and iteratively add complexity to the prompt to understand the impact of each part on the AI's output.
Reverse AI Interview [4:34]
The "reverse AI interview" is a more complex approach for high-stakes tasks with vague requirements. The base prompt involves instructing the AI to interview the user, asking one question at a time, with each answer informing the next question. This ensures a tailored conversation focused on the user's specific context and needs. The intent is to create a system prompt optimized for a specific model, such as rewriting emails and newsletters for clarity. The AI asks questions to gather context, and after the interview, it generates a system prompt based on the provided information. This method helps users clarify their needs and provides the AI with enough context to create a hyper-tailored prompt, leading to better AI output.
Prompt optimizer tools [6:44]
The video highlights that OpenAI and Anthropic offer free prompt optimizers within their console tools. The OpenAI optimizer is dedicated to optimizing for GPT-5 and shows the rationale behind each change. To access it, users can navigate through the OpenAI platform or use a direct URL. The optimizer improves prompts by adding structure, delimiters (hashtags), and comments explaining the rationale behind each addition. It may include a workflow checklist for the AI, self-correction mechanisms, verbosity metrics, output formats, and stopping conditions. Anthropic's prompt optimizer, accessible via a specific URL, requires a small credit purchase. It optimizes prompts specifically for Anthropic's models, using XML tags to structure the text and indicate input sections. The video compares the optimizations from OpenAI and Anthropic, noting differences in formatting and specific instructions tailored to each platform's models.
Meta skill [13:37]
The true meta-skill is knowing to ask the right question at the right time. By knowing to ask AI for help with improving prompts and which tools to use, users can drastically improve their prompts without needing to memorize frameworks and tactics.
Outro [14:06]
The video concludes with a call to share the video and mentions a free 30-day AI insight series and opportunities to work with the creator.