A prompt is simply the instruction you give to an AI model. Vague prompts produce generic answers. You do not need special formulas to do better, only the same clarity you would give a capable colleague who knows nothing about your situation.
1. Give context
Say who you are, who the output is for and why you need it. “Write a product announcement” leaves everything to chance. Adding the audience, the product and the purpose gives the model something to work with.
2. State the task precisely
Use a clear verb and a clear scope: summarize, compare, rewrite, list, explain. If there are things to avoid, such as technical jargon or a sales tone, say so.
3. Describe the format you want
Ask for the length, the structure and the tone: three bullet points, a table with two columns, a friendly email under 120 words. A specified format saves a round of editing.
4. Show an example
If you have a sample of the style you like, include it. One good example usually communicates more than a paragraph of description.
5. Refine instead of restarting
Treat the first answer as a draft. Ask for specific changes: shorter, more formal, add an example, remove the second point. A few rounds of feedback often work better than one long prompt.
Before and after
Vague: “Write about our new service.”
Clear: “Write a 100-word announcement for existing customers about our new weekend delivery service. Friendly tone, no jargon. End with one sentence on how to turn the option on in the app.”
The second prompt takes twenty seconds longer to write and saves several minutes of rework.