What You Will Learn
You will learn a reusable prompt structure for getting better results from Gemini in Google Sheets: role, objective, data range, desired output, assumptions, and quality checks.
Required Dataset
Use the workbook from Lesson 3.
You will use these tabs:
Clean_Working_Table
Setup_Check
Before You Start
Open the Clean_Working_Table tab. Make sure the sheet has clear headers, including Store ID, Week Start Date, Product Category, Net Sales, Gross Margin Dollars, Foot Traffic, Transactions, and Promotion Flag.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Learn the prompting formula
A strong consultant-style prompt has six parts:
Role: Who Gemini should act as.
Objective: What you want done.
Data range: Which tab, columns, or range Gemini should use.
Desired output: The format you want back.
Assumptions: Rules Gemini should follow.
Quality checks: How Gemini should review its own answer.
This structure reduces vague answers and helps Gemini focus on the right data.
Step 2. Use the formula in Gemini
Open Gemini and enter:
Act as a retail analytics consultant.
Objective: Review the Clean_Working_Table tab and recommend useful analyses.
Data range: Use the Clean_Working_Table tab, including Store ID, Week Start Date, Product Category, Net Sales, Gross Margin Dollars, Foot Traffic, Transactions, Promotion Flag, Gross Margin %, Conversion Rate, and Sales per Transaction.
Desired output: Return a concise list of recommended analyses, useful formulas, possible charts, and data-quality checks.
Assumptions: Do not draw final conclusions yet. Treat this as analysis planning.
Quality checks: Identify any missing fields, unclear headers, or risks that could affect the analysis.
Step 3. Compare with a vague prompt
Now try this weaker prompt:
What should I do with this data?
Compare the two responses. The structured prompt should produce more useful, specific, and reviewable output.
Expected Result
You should have a reusable prompting pattern that helps Gemini return clearer spreadsheet guidance, better formulas, and more practical analysis ideas.
Check Your Work
Confirm that your prompt clearly states the role, objective, data range, desired output, assumptions, and quality checks. Also confirm that Gemini’s response is specific to your workbook.
Optional Extension
Create a tab called Prompt_Library and save this reusable prompt pattern for future lessons:
Act as [role].
Objective: [task].
Data range: [tab, columns, or range].
Desired output: [format].
Assumptions: [rules].
Quality checks: [checks Gemini should perform].
