How to Write Better AI Prompts: 7 Simple Habits
The quality of what you get from AI depends heavily on what you ask. You don't need clever tricks, just clarity. Try these habits.
1. Say Who It's For and Why
"Write an email" is vague. "Write an email to a customer whose delivery is late, to keep their trust" gives the AI something to aim at.
2. Give Context
Include background the AI can't guess: your business, your audience, previous decisions, constraints.
3. State the Format
Ask for what you want: a table, five bullet points, a 150-word summary, a numbered plan.
4. Show an Example
If you have a sample of the tone or structure you like, paste it in and say "match this style".
5. Break Big Tasks into Steps
Rather than "write my whole strategy", ask for an outline first, approve it, then fill in each section.
6. Ask It to Check Itself
Follow up with "What assumptions did you make?" or "What might be wrong here?" This surfaces weak spots.
7. Iterate
The first answer is a draft. Say what to change: "shorter", "less formal", "add a risk section".
A Quick Template
Role/audience: … Goal: … Context: … Constraints: (length, tone, things to avoid) Format: …
Common Mistakes
- Asking several unrelated things at once.
- Accepting facts without verifying them.
- Pasting confidential information.
- Giving up after one weak response.
Takeaway
Treat AI like a smart new colleague who knows nothing about your situation. The more you brief it, the better the work.
