MAX’S NOTES
How to write an AI prompt: a simple template with examples
A useful prompt explains the task, the input and the result you need. Here is one practical example, without elaborate roles or magic phrases.
To write a clear AI prompt, specify the task, the information to use, the constraints and the output format. Start with a short request, then address specific weaknesses in the response.
A prompt is your request to the model. A clear description also makes the result easier to check. OpenAI recommends specific instructions, relevant context and iterative refinement. This is guidance for working with the tool, not a guarantee of a correct answer. [1]
Four useful parts
Here is the working template I suggest:
- Task: what you want produced.
- Input: which information the answer should use.
- Constraints: what to preserve or avoid adding.
- Format: how the result should be presented.
A role can help set an approach. But “you are the world's greatest expert” does not explain the assignment. For a short message, naming the audience and purpose is often more useful.
Example: turn notes into a message
This is a fictional situation. A workshop now starts at 18:30 instead of 18:00.
A vague request: “Write a nice message about the event.”
A more useful version:
Write a message to workshop participants. The start time has changed from 18:00 to 18:30. The date and address are unchanged. Explain only the time change. Do not invent a reason, a discount or a promise. Return one paragraph of no more than 60 words in a calm, friendly tone.
You can check the time, unsupported additions, length and tone. “Nice” is harder to measure: everyone has a different internal art committee.
If the response misses the mark
You do not have to rewrite the entire prompt. Describe the problem:
“Remove the introduction. Put the new time in the first sentence. Do not ask participants to confirm attendance: we have not agreed to that.”
Repeat a condition explicitly if it was missed. Add missing information or allow a clarification question. “Make it better” leaves too many possible definitions of better.
Check before using
Compare the response with the assignment:
- Were all supplied facts preserved?
- Were any dates, reasons or promises invented?
- Does the format suit where you will use the text?
- What still needs manual editing?
No model output in this example is presented as a tested result. It is a template for your own check. For factual questions, verify sources and calculations separately. A clear prompt organizes the work; it does not remove the need to check the content.
Keep simple requests simple
A short request can be enough: “Cut this paragraph in half while preserving the numbers and meaning.” Add detail where it changes the outcome. A useful prompt does not have to be long.