A prompt is just an instruction
A prompt is the message you type to an AI tool. You don't need special technical words — you need to be clear. This four-part framework gives you a repeatable structure so you're not starting from a blank page every time: (1) what you want to do, (2) your situation and context, (3) the specific help or task, and (4) how you want the answer presented.
Part 1 & 2: what you want to do, and your situation
Start by naming your overall goal, then add the situation that shapes it: your type of business, your audience, and anything relevant going on right now. Example: 'I run a small mobile dog-grooming business (goal area) and I just added weekend appointments for the first time (situation).'
Part 3 & 4: the specific task, and the format
Next, say exactly what you want produced — an email, three options, a checklist, a one-paragraph explanation — and how you want it presented: tone, length, or structure. Example: 'Write a short text message (task) to send to past customers announcing weekend appointments. Keep it under 300 characters and friendly, not pushy (format).'
Weak prompt vs. improved prompt
Weak: 'Write a flyer.' Improved: 'I sell handmade soap at a Saturday farmers market. Write text for a half-page flyer (task) announcing a new lavender scent, for people walking by a booth (situation), in a warm, simple tone with one clear call to action at the end (format).' The improved version answers all four parts, so there's far less guessing.
Revising, following up, and asking it to simplify
If the first answer isn't right, revise by telling it exactly what to change: 'too long,' 'too formal,' 'focus more on the price.' You can also ask it to 'explain that more simply' if an answer uses unfamiliar words, or ask it to 'break this into smaller steps' when a task feels like too much at once — both are reasonable, normal follow-ups, not signs you did something wrong.
A real-world example
A weak prompt: 'Help with my schedule.' Using the framework: 'I clean 3–4 houses a day as a solo house cleaner (situation). I keep double-booking Fridays (what you want to do: fix that). Write a simple weekly scheduling template I can fill in by hand (specific task), formatted as a short table with days down the side and time blocks across the top (format).' The second version gives the AI everything it needs to produce something actually usable on the first try.
Steps to take
- Pick one real task you need help with this week.
- Write one sentence each for: what you want to do, your situation, the specific task, and the format you want.
- Combine the four into a single prompt and send it.
- If it's not quite right, send one revision request naming exactly what to change.
- Try asking it to 'explain that more simply' or 'break it into steps' at least once, to see how it adapts.
Prompting framework check
This checklist is optional and not saved. Copy it to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Go deeper in related modules
Not sure what a word means? Check Business Words Made Simple.