A practical starting point

Give the AI a clear job to do

Start with the task. Add only the background, output details and rules that will genuinely help.

1Task

2Context

3Output

4Rules

Your answers

Build your prompt

1Your taskWhat should the AI do?

Type of task

What do you want the AI to do? Required Start with one clear action: draft, explain, compare, plan, extract or improve.

What would make the result successful? Optional Put each success criterion on a new line.

2BackgroundContext, audience and useful perspective

What should the AI know before it starts?

Who is the result for?

Useful perspective or role

3OutputFormat, tone and length

Output format

Tone

Length

Any exact structure or length?

4ExampleShow the pattern or tone you want

Do you have a short example to follow? Optional

5RequirementsWhat must it include, avoid or verify?

What must it include or avoid? Put each requirement on a new line.

Use only supplied informationDo not invent missing facts. Verify current informationUse and cite reliable current sources. State assumptionsMake necessary assumptions visible.

Will you give the AI a file or source material?

Source material