The Prompt Formula
One page. Pin it next to your keyboard.
Your First Prompt
The four parts (use what you need)
Role'Act as a professional consultant / patient teacher / sceptical editor…' Sets the voice and expertise.
TaskThe verb. Write, summarise, compare, plan, critique, explain, translate.
ContextThe one or two facts that make the answer yours: who it's for, what happened, what you've tried.
FormatBullets, a table, under 100 words, step-by-step, two versions. Say what the answer should look like.
The magic follow-up
“Before you answer, ask me any questions you need.”
Use it for anything meaty. The AI interviews you first, then answers with real information instead of guesses.
Refinement commands (never accept a bad first draft)
Too long'Give me the two-sentence version.'
Too technical'Simpler please.' Repeat until it clicks.
Wrong tone'Warmer.' / 'More formal.' / 'Less corporate.'
Wrong shape'Now as a table.' / 'As bullet points.'
Missed something'You missed the part about X.'
Check the work'Now critique this as a sceptical expert would.'
The test
If you can imagine two very different valid answers to your question, your prompt is too vague. Add the detail that picks between them.