ChatGPT Prompting: From Basic to Advanced

The six-part structure

Task: what you want. Context: what the model needs to know. Input: the material to work on. Constraints: limits and requirements. Output: desired format. Checks: how the answer should verify uncertainty.

Beginner → stronger

Weak: Explain VLANs.

Stronger: Teach VLANs to an entry-level data center technician.
Assume I know basic Ethernet but not trunking.
Use one rack-to-switch example, then give me 5 questions.
Do not reveal the answers until I respond.

Troubleshooting pattern

Act as a troubleshooting coach.
Do not jump to a root cause.
1. Restate the symptoms.
2. Separate facts from assumptions.
3. Rank 3 likely causes.
4. Give the safest next test for each.
5. Stop and ask me for the test results before continuing.

Research discipline

For current facts, explicitly request current sources and dates. Ask the model to distinguish sourced facts, calculations, assumptions and recommendations. Never treat fluent wording as proof.