How to Write Better Prompts

Be Explicit with Instructions

All major AI models—Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini—respond best to clear, direct instructions. Don't hint at what you want; state it plainly.

Instead of: "Can you maybe help with an email?"

Try: "Write a professional email to a client explaining that their project will be delayed by one week due to technical issues. Keep it apologetic but confident."

The more specific your instructions, the less the AI has to guess—and the better your results.

Provide Context AND Motivation

Don't just tell the AI what to do—explain WHY. When AI understands the purpose behind a request, it makes better decisions about tone, detail level, and approach.

Instead of: "Make this shorter."

Try: "This email needs to be shorter because busy executives will skim it. Keep only the most critical information and the call-to-action."

Adding the "why" helps the AI optimize for what actually matters.

Use Examples (Few-Shot Prompting)

Showing beats telling. If you have a specific style or format in mind, provide an example.

Example prompt:

"Write product descriptions in this style:

Example: 'The Classic Tee. Soft cotton, clean lines, built to last. Pairs with everything.'

Now write one for: A leather messenger bag"

Examples work better than lengthy descriptions of what you want.

Specify Format Explicitly

Never assume the AI knows how you want information structured. Be explicit about format requirements.

Good format instructions:

• "Format as a bulleted list with 5-7 items"
• "Create a table comparing these three options"
• "Write in three short paragraphs"
• "Output as JSON with these fields: name, description, price"

If you need markdown formatting, headers, or specific structure, say so directly.

Iterate and Refine

Treat AI as a conversation, not a one-shot tool. Your first prompt rarely produces perfect results.

Iteration approach:

1. Start with your initial request

2. Review the output critically

3. Give specific feedback: "Good structure, but the tone is too formal"

4. Ask for targeted changes: "Add more detail about the ROI section"

5. Repeat until satisfied

Don't rewrite your entire prompt—build on what's working.

Set Constraints and Boundaries

Constraints improve output quality. Give the AI boundaries to work within.

Effective constraints:

• "Write for someone with no technical background"
• "The audience is small business owners aged 35-50"
• "Keep it under 150 words"
• "This will be posted on LinkedIn"

Constraints force the AI to make better creative choices within your requirements.

Tell What TO Do, Not Just What NOT to Do

Positive framing works better than negative instructions. Instead of listing things to avoid, tell the AI what you actually want.

Instead of: "Don't use jargon or technical terms."

Try: "Use simple, everyday language that anyone can understand."

Instead of: "Don't be too formal."

Try: "Write in a friendly, conversational tone like you're emailing a colleague."

Review and Verify Output

AI output is a starting point, not a finished product. Always:

1. Check facts and claims — AI can make things up that sound plausible

2. Verify numbers and dates — These are common error points

3. Adjust tone to match your voice — Remove anything generic

4. Add specific details only you would know — Personal touches matter

5. Read it aloud — Does it sound like something you'd actually say?

The goal is to use AI to accelerate your work, not replace your judgment.