Prompting · Builder
Prompt builder¶
Fill in the blanks, delete the lines you don't need, paste. That's the whole method.
The template¶
Copy and fill in
Job: [what you want, one sentence]
Work from this material: [paste it, attach it, or name the file]
Audience: [who will read/use the result]
Shape: [length, format, tone — e.g. "under 200 words, bullet
points, plain friendly English"]
Rules:
- Use only the material I gave you; don't add facts.
- If something important is missing, ask me instead of guessing.
- [anything else: words to avoid, things to include]
Before starting, tell me your plan in one or two sentences and
wait for my OK.
Worked example¶
Example, filled in
Job: Draft a reply declining a vendor's renewal offer.
Work from this material: [pasted their email]
Audience: The vendor's account manager.
Shape: Short email, polite but firm, no apology spiral.
Rules:
- Use only the material I gave you; don't add facts.
- Leave the door open for next year.
- Don't mention budget details.
Before starting, tell me your plan and wait for my OK.
When you can't fill in the blanks¶
That's a sign, not a failure. Flip it around:
Copy this instead
I need help with [rough idea]. Interview me one question at a
time until you have what you need, then do the job.