The Step Framework
A systematic approach to crafting and refining prompts:
- Define Intent and Format: Clearly state what you want and in what format
- Provide Context: Explain why you need this output
- Include Examples: Share references or examples of desired output
- Iterate and Refine: Edit prompt if results are off
- Perfect Through Repetition: Repeat until achieving optimal results
Example:
"I need a professional email template for client outreach (intent) that will be used for first-time contact with potential enterprise customers (context). Here's an example of our successful past outreach... (example)"
The Pro Prompting Method
A four-step approach to professional-grade prompts:
- Share Raw Idea: Present your initial concept without filtering
- Identify Gaps: Ask "What's unclear, risky, or missing?"
- Target Audience Alignment: Customize for your specific audience using real data
- Expert Perspective: Consider what a top 0.01% expert would do
Example:
"Raw idea: Create a marketing campaign for eco-friendly products
Gaps: Target demographics? Budget? Timeline?
Audience data: Millennials, urban areas, $50-100k income
Expert angle: What would a sustainability marketing expert suggest?"
Specialized Frameworks
RTF (Role, Task, Format)
- Role: Define who you want the AI to be
- Task: Specify what needs to be done
- Format: Indicate how the output should be structured
"Act as a senior financial analyst (Role), analyze this quarterly report (Task), and present findings in a bullet-point summary with key metrics (Format)"
TAG (Task, Action, Goal)
- Task: What needs to be accomplished
- Action: How it should be done
- Goal: Desired outcome or result
"Review this code (Task), identify security vulnerabilities (Action), to create a secure application (Goal)"
CARE (Context, Action, Result, Example)
- Context: Background information
- Action: Required actions
- Result: Expected outcome
- Example: Sample of desired output
"Writing for a technical blog (Context), explain quantum computing (Action), in terms beginners can understand (Result). Similar to how this article explains blockchain... (Example)"
Best Practices
- Always start with a clear objective
- Be specific about format and style
- Include relevant context and constraints
- Use examples when possible
- Iterate and refine based on results