prompts·7 min read
ChatGPT Prompt Formula: How to Get Better Answers
A repeatable prompt formula — role, task, constraints, output — with five before/after examples.
Quick answer. Role, task, constraints, output. Write your prompt in those four parts, in that order. Five rewrites in and you'll outperform 80% of office prompts.
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The four parts in plain English
- Role — who is the AI playing, and what's its context?
- Task — the exact job, with a measurable result.
- Constraints — length, tone, what to avoid, audience.
- Output — exact format you want back (bullets, JSON, email body).
Five before/after rewrites
Example
Status report
- Before: 'Write my weekly status report.'
- After: 'You are a senior PM. Write my weekly status update for an exec audience. Constraints: 120 words max, 3 bullets, no jargon, lead with the decision. Output: just the bullets.'
Why this beats persona prompting
'Act as a world-class…' prompts are theater. They cue the model toward filler. Structure cues it toward your specific output.
Prompt skeleton — copy and fill
Role: You are ___ writing for ___.
Task: ___ to achieve ___.
Constraints: ___ words, tone ___, avoid ___.
Output: ___ (format).
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Sent after the 2-minute quiz so it matches your role.
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