Prompting 101

A plain-English starter guide to role, task, context, constraints, and format.

Use approved data only. Treat AI output as a draft and verify facts.
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Prompting 101

When to use this

Use this guide when you need AI to draft, summarize, brainstorm, compare, or organize approved information.

The formula

  1. Role: Tell AI what perspective to use.
  2. Task: State the exact job.
  3. Context: Provide only approved background.
  4. Constraints: Add tone, length, audience, policy, and boundaries.
  5. Output format: Ask for bullets, a table, a checklist, or a draft.
  6. Safety: Tell AI what not to include and when to flag uncertainty.

Template

Act as [role]. Your task is [task].
Audience: [audience].
Context: [approved context only].
Constraints: [tone, length, must include, must avoid].
Output format: [table, checklist, email, plan].
Safety: Do not include secrets, regulated data, or unsupported claims. Flag assumptions.

Review checklist

  • Does the output match the source context?
  • Did the model invent facts?
  • Is the tone appropriate?
  • Is sensitive data removed?
  • Does a human owner need to approve it?