What is Prompt Engineering – and What It Teaches Us About Humans
- kennylwu
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
You’ve probably heard the term prompt engineering floating around—especially with the rise of ChatGPT/ DeepSeek and AI tools. But what is it, really? Is it just tech jargon, or is there something deeper behind it?
Let’s break it down.

🧠 Prompt Engineering 101
In simple terms, prompt engineering is the art of giving instructions to AI in a clear, detailed, and structured way to get the best result.
Imagine you’re asking ChatGPT to help write a marketing plan. If you just say “write a plan,” you’ll get something generic. But if you say:
“Write a 1-page marketing plan for a new fitness app targeting young adults in Macao, focusing on Instagram and influencer partnerships.”
The result will be way more useful.
The magic lies in how you ask.
🤔 If You Can Do That with a Computer… Why Not With Humans?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
We often take more time to think clearly when talking to AI than when talking to real people—our teammates, cofounders, partners, or clients.
We say things like “can you help with the deck?” but forget to mention:
Which deck?
What is it for?
What’s the deadline?
Who’s the audience?
If we learn to give clear, detailed prompts to machines, shouldn’t we apply the same habit to humans?
💬 Communication Is the Ultimate Startup Skill
At Macao Startup Club, we see this every day—startups thrive or fail not just because of ideas or funding, but because of how well people work together.
And guess what? That starts with good prompts:
To your designer: “Can you make a banner” → ❌
Better: “Can you design a 1080x1080 Instagram banner for our July 5th event, using our brand colors and including the title ‘創業圍爐之夜’?” → ✅
To your cofounder: “Handle the pitch” → ❌
Better: “Can you present the pitch deck on Friday, focusing on slides 5–10, especially the business model part?” → ✅
It’s not about bossing people around. It’s about creating clarity so your team can move faster and smarter.
❤️ Prompting Your Partner
Yes—we’re going there.
Even in your personal relationships, “prompt engineering” makes a difference. Instead of “you never help out,” try:
“Hey, can you take care of the dishes tonight? I’m exhausted and need 30 minutes to unwind.”
It’s more specific. Less emotional confusion. And often, it works better.
🛠️ Prompting Is a Skill — for AI and Life
Whether you’re building a startup, leading a team, or just learning how to use AI tools, prompt engineering teaches us something universal:
Clarity creates action. Vagueness creates confusion.
So next time you’re stuck—whether with ChatGPT or your cofounder—ask yourself:
Did I give a good prompt?
✍️ Written by Macao Startup Club
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