Best all-purpose structure: “Complete [task] for [audience] using [context or sources]. Follow [constraints]. Return [format]. Flag [uncertainties or assumptions].”

Writing and editing prompts

1. Draft from a brief

Draft a [document type] for [audience] that helps them [goal]. Use only the facts in [source material]. Tone: [three adjectives]. Length: [range]. Start with [required opening]. End with [action]. Mark any missing fact as [NEEDS INPUT].

2. Edit without changing meaning

Edit the text below for clarity and concision. Preserve every factual claim and the writer's intended tone. Do not add evidence or examples. Return: (1) edited text, (2) a short list of material changes, and (3) questions for any ambiguous passage. [PASTE TEXT]

3. Adapt one message for channels

Adapt this message for [email, LinkedIn, and a landing page]. Keep the same offer and factual claims. For each channel, follow its expected reading pattern and state the character or word count. Do not invent testimonials or urgency.

Research and analysis prompts

4. Build a research plan

Create a research plan to answer: [question]. Separate facts to verify, stakeholder views, and assumptions. Prioritise primary sources. Return search terms, evidence criteria, likely gaps, and a table for recording findings. Do not answer the research question yet.

5. Compare options

Compare [options] for [decision]. Criteria and weights: [list]. Constraints: [budget, deadline, requirements]. Use the supplied evidence only. Return a scored table, sensitivity check, unknowns, and a recommendation conditional on the evidence.

6. Find weaknesses

Review the proposal below as a skeptical but constructive expert in [domain]. Identify unsupported assumptions, failure modes, missing stakeholders, and measures that could reveal problems early. Rank issues by impact and likelihood. Then propose the smallest useful test for each high-priority issue.

Planning and productivity prompts

7. Turn a goal into a plan

Create a plan to achieve [goal] by [date]. Current state: [context]. Available time/resources: [limits]. Dependencies: [list]. Return milestones, weekly actions, owners, evidence of completion, and the first action that can be done in 20 minutes.

8. Prepare a meeting

Design a [duration]-minute meeting for [participants] to decide [decision]. Provide pre-read questions, a timed agenda, decision criteria, roles, and a note template. Exclude status updates that can be asynchronous.

9. Convert notes into actions

From the notes below, extract decisions, action items, owners, deadlines, unresolved questions, and risks. Do not infer an owner or date when none is stated; label it “unassigned” or “not set.” Return a concise table followed by a decision log.

Learning and explanation prompts

10. Learn through questions

Teach me [topic] at [current level] for the purpose of [goal]. Begin with a five-question diagnostic. Then build a lesson using one concrete example, one misconception check, and one short practice task. Wait for my answer before revealing the solution.

11. Explain for two audiences

Explain [concept] first to [beginner audience] in 120 words, then to [expert audience] with precise terminology. Use the same example in both. End with what the simpler explanation leaves out.

12. Create a practice test

Create a [number]-question practice test from the source material below. Mix recall, application, and error-diagnosis questions. Do not introduce facts outside the source. Put the answer key and brief explanations after a clear divider.

How to improve any ChatGPT prompt

Replace vague adjectives such as “good” or “professional” with observable requirements. Supply source material when facts matter. Ask for assumptions and unknowns to be labeled. Define the output that fits the next step in your workflow. Then review the answer for truth, relevance, completeness, and usability.

Do not paste confidential, regulated, or personally sensitive information unless your organization has approved the tool and workflow.

Make a template your own: use the prompt optimizer checklist to add your context and constraints, or see resume-specific prompts.