Prompting Standard Models: Your Everyday AI Assistant

Getting the most out of AI doesn't have to be complicated. Think of prompting Standard Models like giving clear directions to a helpful assistant. They're versatile, reliable, and perfect for a wide range of tasks. Whether you're drafting an email, brainstorming ideas, or summarizing a report, mastering how to "talk" to these models can make all the difference in the results you get.

At Axess-AI, our Standard Models are curated to balance performance, speed, and efficacy, making them ideal for everyday needs. This guide will walk you through practical ways to prompt them effectively, from quick requests to more thoughtful approaches. Let's dive into three levels of prompting to help you unlock their full potential—no expertise required.

::: The examples below were generated using a Standard Model i.e. 'Meta: Llama 4 Maverick', available on the Axess-AI platform, to illustrate typical responses. :::

Level 1: Simple Requests for Quick Wins

• What It’s For: Getting fast answers, brainstorming, or tackling straightforward tasks when you just need a quick result.
• Why It Works: Standard Models shine with simple prompts, delivering results without needing detailed setup. It's like asking a friend for a quick idea or fact.
• How to Do It: Keep it short and direct with basic commands or open-ended questions.

Example: Crafting a Better Question

Basic Prompt (Less Effective)	Better Prompt (More Effective)
Prompt: What is AI?	Prompt: Explain Artificial Intelligence in 3 short bullet points.
Output: A long-winded explanation covering everything from narrow AI to superintelligence... (abridged for brevity)	Output: - AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is technology that mimics human thinking to perform tasks. - It uses data and algorithms for learning, decision-making, and predictions. - Common uses include chatbots, recommendation systems, and automation.

Keep It Focused

Standard Models can give detailed answers, but vague prompts like "What is AI?" often lead to information overload. A small tweak—asking for a specific format like "3 bullet points"—helps the model zero in on what you need, cutting through the noise for a concise, useful response.

Level 2: Structured Prompts for Focused Insights

• What It’s For: Guiding the model to provide detailed analysis, formatted outputs, or role-specific insights.
• Why It Works: A bit of structure tells the model exactly what you’re after, whether it’s a list, a summary, or a perspective. Think of it as giving your assistant a clear checklist.
• How to Do It: Add context, specify the format, and consider assigning a role (like "business analyst") to shape the tone and depth.

Example: Adding Context and Clarity

Basic Prompt (Less Effective)	Better Prompt (More Effective)
Prompt: Pros and cons of remote work.	Prompt: Act as a business analyst. List the top 3 pros and cons of remote work for a small tech startup in two separate bullet lists.
Output: A broad, unfocused list of many pros and cons, lacking specific relevance... (abridged for brevity)	Output: Top 3 Pros: - Wider Talent Pool: Hire globally without location limits. - Lower Costs: Save on office space and utilities. - Better Balance: Employees enjoy flexible schedules. Top 3 Cons: - Communication Gaps: Remote teams may struggle with collaboration. - Security Risks: Data protection is trickier outside office networks. - Culture Challenges: Harder to build team connection remotely.

The Power of Detail

A generic prompt like "Pros and cons of remote work" gets you a generic answer. By adding specifics—like focusing on a "small tech startup" and defining the output format—the model delivers targeted insights you can actually use. It’s like upgrading from a rough sketch to a detailed blueprint.

Level 3: Conversational Refinement for Polished Outcomes

• What It’s For: Handling multi-step tasks or refining initial outputs to get exactly what you want through a back-and-forth approach.
• Why It Works: Standard Models can build on their own responses if you guide them step-by-step. It’s like brainstorming with a partner who adjusts based on your feedback.
• How to Do It: Start with a broad request, then follow up with prompts to tweak, shorten, or expand the output until it’s just right.
• Keep in Mind: This works best for tasks within Standard Models’ strengths—think refining drafts rather than solving highly complex puzzles better suited for Expert Models.

Example: Iterating to Perfection

Basic Prompt (Less Effective)	Better Prompt (Step-by-Step Process)
Prompt: Write a marketing slogan for my coffee shop.	Prompt 1: Brainstorm 5 marketing slogans for an eco-friendly coffee shop aimed at young professionals.
Output: A generic set of slogans lacking unique flavor... (abridged for brevity)	Output 1: Five tailored ideas, e.g., "Sip Sustainably, Work Inspired."
	Prompt 2: I like "Sip Sustainably, Work Inspired." Make it shorter and more energetic.
	Output 2: Revised options like "Fuel Your Flow, Sustainably!"
	Prompt 3: Perfect, now give me an even shorter version of "Fuel Your Flow, Sustainably!" for a sticker.
	Output 3: A concise take like "Sustainable Flow."

Build Step by Step

A one-shot prompt for a slogan might give you something usable, but it’s often bland. By breaking it into steps—starting with brainstorming, then refining for tone and length—you shape the output into something that fits your vision. This conversational style turns Standard Models into true creative partners.

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Key Takeaway

Prompting Standard Models is all about clarity and experimentation. The best first step is to pause and think about exactly what you want—having a clear idea of your goal helps you craft better prompts and get more relevant results. Start simple for quick tasks, add structure for deeper insights, and use conversation to refine creative or evolving ideas. With Axess-AI’s curated Standard Models, you’ve got a versatile tool at your fingertips—tweak your approach based on the task, and you’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve. Ready to put these tips into action? Jump into the platform and start prompting today!

Save Your Best Prompts

Once you find prompting styles that work for you, especially at Levels 2 and 3, save them as templates. For example, a go-to structure like "Summarize [topic] in [X] points for [audience]" can be reused for consistent results. Store these in your Axess-AI Workspace to streamline future tasks. Want to learn more about setting up and managing prompts? Check out our Workspace guide for detailed tips and tricks.