An AI prompt is the instruction you give a system like ChatGPT or Claude. To get a better response, you need to provide specific context, a clear format, and a defined goal. Vague prompts get vague results; precise prompts get the goods.
Don't be vague with your instructions
Think of a prompt as a text you're sending to a brilliant but socially awkward intern. The quality of what you get back is a direct reflection of how well you explain the assignment. Vague prompts produce boring, generic fluff. Specific, contextual prompts give the model what it needs to actually be useful.
The four principles of a great prompt
- Be specific. Don't ask for a "summary." Ask for a "three-sentence summary for a non-tech audience that highlights the cost-saving benefits."
- Give it a persona. Tell the model who it's supposed to be. "You are a secondary school teacher preparing a worksheet for 14-year-olds" helps the AI find the right tone and vocabulary.
- Command the format. If you want a table, bullet points, or a 200-word limit, say it. If you don't, the AI will default to being a wordy mess.
- Iterate, don't quit. Your first prompt is just a first date. If it's not working, tell it why. "Make it shorter," or "Stop using corporate jargon" are perfectly valid follow-ups.
A strong prompt usually includes a Role, Context, Task, and Constraints.
❌ Weak: "Write a summary of this document."
✅ Strong: "You're a sharp executive summarizer. Write a 150-word summary for a non-technical audience. Lead with the most important finding. No jargon."
High-leverage prompts by situation
For thinking
"What am I missing in my thinking about [topic]?"
"Play devil's advocate on [my position]."
For decisions
"Help me map the tradeoffs between [X] and [Y]."
"What would I regret in five years if I chose [X]?"
For writing
"Rewrite this to be 30% shorter without losing the core point."
"What's the weakest sentence here and how would you fix it?"
For work
"Give me the five strongest objections to my proposal."
"Summarize this email thread and tell me what needs a response."
For learning
"Explain [concept] at three levels: beginner, intermediate, expert."
"Quiz me on what I just shared with you."