The difference between a vague answer and a great one is usually the question. You don't need special tricks, just a little more context. Here's the formula we recommend.
The four parts of a good prompt
- Task: what you want done (summarize, draft, compare, explain)
- Context: who it's for and why
- Format: bullet points, a table, a short email, under 100 words
- Example (optional): a sample of the style you like
You don't need all four every time. Adding even one makes answers noticeably better.
Before and after
Before:
Write an email about the new feature.
After:
Write a short email (under 120 words) announcing our new
annual billing option to existing customers. Friendly tone,
mention they save two months, end with a link to Settings.
The second prompt gives the assistant everything it needs: the audience, the key message, the length and the call to action.
Keep the conversation going
Your first answer is a starting point. Follow-up messages are where you get exactly what you want:
- "Make it shorter."
- "Use simpler words."
- "Give me two more versions with a different opening."
- "Turn this into a table."
The assistant remembers the context of your chat, so you don't need to repeat yourself.
A template you can reuse
Save this and fill in the blanks:
I need [task] for [audience].
The goal is [goal].
Format: [format, length].
Tone: [tone].
Here's the information to use: [facts].
Good prompts aren't long, they're specific. One clear sentence beats three vague paragraphs.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Asking several things at once | One request per message, then follow up |
| No audience | Say who will read it |
| No length limit | Add "under 100 words" or "3 bullet points" |
| Accepting the first answer | Ask for changes, it's free |
Put the formula to work in your next chat. You'll notice the difference right away.