Write a Clear, Specific Prompt

Specific prompts get better results. When you write a prompt, make sure it includes these four building blocks.

The Four Building Blocks

Instruction What should the AI do? Start with an action word: write, summarize, compare, list, draft.
Context What does it need to know? Include anything the AI can’t guess: who you are, what the situation is, and why it matters.
Format What should the output look like? Say exactly what you want: a table, bulleted list, numbered steps, an email, a paragraph.
Tone How should it sound? Name the tone: direct, warm, formal, confident, conversational.

You won’t always need all four elements, but a missing one is usually the reason a result falls flat. Remember them as I Craft Focused Text.

Spot Vague Words

Before you hit send, find any vague words and make them specific.

Examples

“Make it better” “Make it more concise”
“Make it professional” “Make it friendly but not casual”
“Keep it short” “Keep it under 200 words”
“Add a few examples” “Add three examples”

Final Check: The New Hire Test

Read your prompt one more time and ask yourself: Could a capable new hire who knows nothing about your work produce exactly what you need from this prompt? If not, name what’s missing.