One might think that you could talk to Gemini (or any other AI chatbot) like a friend and get the answers you want instantly. But to truly get the most out of an AI machine, you have to give it all the help you can. This is where the art and method of prompting comes in. The official Google Workspace tips guide can help you be more productive with Gemini for Workspace. This free playbook was released at the Google Cloud Next 2024 event.
Start by downloading the Gemini for Google Workspace tips guide in PDF format.
View tips guide
The Gemini for Google Workspace Guide (April 2024 Edition) is a 45-page guide that helps you understand the basics of writing prompts so that Gemini works better. It teaches you to break big tasks into smaller steps so you can clearly tell your Gemini what to do.
The guide covers different use cases for different types of people in your organization, examples of how to use it with the Google Workspace app, and day-to-day tasks accomplished by executives, founders, and employees in sales, marketing, customer service, project management, and more. Sample tips and human resources.
Prompting 101 covers the following roles within an organization:
customer service
executives and entrepreneurs
human Resources
marketing
project management
sales volume
Before you start practicing the tips, it's useful to remember this point from the experts behind Gemini:
If you don't get the results you want the first time, you may want to try a few different prompting methods. From what we've learned in the Workspace Labs program, the most successful prompts average about 21 words, but people often try prompts without knowing it, and the prompts are very short—often less than 9 words.
Each prompt has four main pillars that make it easier for an LL.M. like Gemini to understand your query.
Role: Give the AI a role that matches your own.
Task: Tell Gemini what it needs to do.
Background: Provide as much background information about the results as possible.
Format: Tell Gemini how to structure your answer—word count, bullet points, numbered list, paragraphs, tables, etc.
Tip: This framework works similarly in all AI chatbots (such as ChatGPT). The AI doesn't need all four to work, but including as many of them as possible can give more precise results.
Next, you can jump directly to the section that best suits your current role. But check out the others as well, as it can provide ideas for different prompt styles to help you work better with Gemini in any situation.
Use this guide as a primer for more advanced tips
AI prompts in Gemini or other tools are all about natural conversation (as the guide says, “let it be a conversation”). You don't need to end the chat there. The guide emphasizes that you should repeat basic tips. Each successive chat gives Gemini a chance to get more context and fine-tune answers.
Here are more tips from the guide to help you get the hang of the instructions.
Break down related tasks into several prompts.
Continue to build on the initial prompt and fine-tune the resulting response.
Give Gemini some limits (like word count) to get precise results.
Use these scenarios as inspiration for how to collaborate with Gemini for Workspace.
Force a Gemini to work harder for you by asking questions like, "What questions do you have for me that can help you provide the best output?"
Tailor your prompts to a specific tone in your answer, such as formal, informal, technical, creative, or casual.
This Prompting 101 guide will be of great benefit to beginner Geminis. The next time you use any Google Workplace app, keep it open on the taskbar.
