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Writing Clear Prompts
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A prompt is just your instruction to the AI. Vague prompts get vague answers. Specific prompts get useful ones.
A simple recipe — Role, Task, Details, Format:
• Role: "You are a helpful project manager."
• Task: "Write a status update for our client."
• Details: "Project is 2 weeks behind; we added a developer; new launch date is the 30th."
• Format: "Keep it to 4 short sentences, friendly but professional."
Tips that make a big difference:
• Say the goal, not just the topic. "Help me write" → "Write a 3-sentence apology email to a customer whose order shipped late."
• Give an example of what good looks like, if you have one.
• State constraints up front: length, tone, audience, what to avoid.
• Ask for one thing at a time when the task is complex.
Weak: "Tell me about marketing emails."
Strong: "Write a subject line and 100-word marketing email announcing a 20% spring sale to existing customers. Warm tone, one clear call to action."
The more you tell it, the less it has to guess.