How to write a good prompt

A "prompt" is just whatever you type to the AI. Better prompts get better answers. Here is the recipe almost every pro uses.

The 5-part recipe

1. Role — who should the AI be?
2. Task — what do you want done?
3. Context — what does it need to know?
4. Format — how should the answer look?
5. Examples — what does "good" look like? (optional but powerful)

Bad prompt vs. good prompt

Bad: "Write me an email."

Good: "You're a friendly but professional office manager. Write a 4-sentence email to my team announcing that the office will be closed next Friday for floor cleaning. Mention they should take laptops home. End with a warm sign-off."

The second one tells the AI the role (office manager), the task (write an email), the context (closure, take laptops), the format (4 sentences, warm sign-off). You'll get something usable on the first try.

Tricks that punch above their weight

• "Ask me questions first." Add this at the end. The AI will interview you before answering, which produces much better output.
• "Explain like I'm 12." Or like a CEO, or like a lawyer. The AI changes register on command.
• "Give me three options." Forces variety instead of one safe answer.
• "What am I missing?" Run after the first draft. Catches blind spots.
• "Be brutally honest." Unlocks real feedback instead of polite reassurance.

Iterate, don't restart

If the first answer isn't quite right, reply in the same chat — "make it shorter," "more casual," "drop the second paragraph." Don't start over. The AI keeps everything you've discussed in mind.

The one habit that matters most

Tell it who you are and what you're trying to do. "I'm a teacher prepping a lesson on photosynthesis for 8th graders" is worth more than any clever phrasing.