A prompt is a transfer

Write as if you are handing over a task to a capable new employee.

A prompt can be a question, instruction, or goal. Do not think about code or secret commands. Explain what you need and why relevant details matter.

A good handover makes clear what needs to be finished. A role can be useful for perspective or tone, but does not automatically make ChatGPT an expert. Use a role only when it truly changes the outcome.

Result first
Only relevant background
Role is optional
No magical words needed

This is how you can use this

Work: ask for a meeting update for colleagues, not just a summary. Study: ask for an explanation at your current level.

Try this prompt

Turn this task into a clear assignment: [task]. Start with the desired end result and only add context that changes the quality.

Your practical assignment

Take a vague task you used before and rewrite it with a concrete end result.

2.2

Goal and success criteria

Don't just say what ChatGPT should do, but also when the result is useful.

The goal describes the change you want to achieve. Success criteria make that goal testable. 'Write an email' is a task; 'write an email with which the recipient can confirm the appointment' also includes the desired effect.

Use one or two criteria that are really important, such as target audience, length, decision point, or required information. Too many requirements can contradict each other.

Describe the intended effect
Make important quality testable
Limit the number of criteria
Check against the criteria

This is how you can use this

Private: a schedule must be achievable within two hours. Entrepreneurship: a first offer text must make clear for whom the offer is intended.

Try this prompt

Goal: [effect]. Make [result]. It is useful as: 1) [criterion], 2) [criterion]. Check your final version against both criteria.

Your practical assignment

Write two criteria for a real task and delete any criterion that does not demonstrably improve the result.

2.3

Relevant context

Context is information that likely makes another answer better.

More context is not automatically better. Add target audience, situation, existing choice, or source when that information changes the outcome. Leave out sensitive details if a fictional or general description suffices.

Separate facts from assumptions. For example, write 'Facts: ...' and 'Still uncertain: ...'. This reduces the chance that a working hypothesis ends up as truth in the answer.

Context must have an effect
Facts and assumptions separately
No unnecessary personal data
Name source material

This is how you can use this

Study: state learning objective and prior knowledge. Work: state definitely and still open. Entrepreneurship: distinguish real customer feedback from your own assumptions.

Try this prompt

Context:
- Facts: [facts]
- Still uncertain: [assumptions]
- Target group: [target group]
Assignment: [task]. Mark where missing context limits the answer.

Your practical assignment

Give the same task once without and once with three relevant context points. Compare exactly what improved.

2.4

Desired output

Ask for a format that fits what you will do with the answer afterwards.

An answer for a meeting looks different from a message to a friend. Specify format, length, and level of detail when reuse occurs. For example, ask for a table for comparison, bullets for actions, or a short text for sending.

Avoid artificial limitations. A maximum of four sentences is only useful if four sentences are sufficient. Also say which elements should be retained.

Choose format based on use
Provide a realistic length
Name mandatory components
Request a verifiable format

This is how you can use this

Work: table with action, owner, and date. Private: shopping list per store department. Study: questions first, answers separately.

Try this prompt

Create the result as [form]. Length: [limit]. Be sure to include: [elements]. Leave out: [elements]. Audience: [audience].

Your practical assignment

Convert an existing answer into two forms and choose which form accelerates your next step.

2.5

Boundaries and missing information

Good boundaries prevent real mistakes; they do not check every word.

A boundary says what may not be changed, invented, or carried out. Examples: preserve approved amounts, use only provided sources, or create a draft but send nothing.

Ask ChatGPT to mark missing information or to first ask targeted questions. That is more reliable than hoping the model itself knows when guessing is dangerous.

Protect critical facts
Don't guess silently
First ask questions when core context is missing
Leave external actions as a draft

This is how you can use this

Business: keep prices and delivery dates exact. Private: do not change any medical dose. Work: do not send any message without review.

Try this prompt

Boundaries: keep [critical data] exact. Use only [sources]. If core information is missing, first ask up to three questions. Provide a draft; execute nothing externally.

Your practical assignment

Add two limits to an important prompt and explain which risk each limit prevents.

2.6

A complete but short prompt

Combine only the building blocks that your task needs.

A complete prompt does not need to be long. Start with the result and add context, output, and limit where they help. Use follow-up questions to refine.

Check before sending: does an outsider understand the task, is it clear what is good, and does ChatGPT know what it may not assume? If the answer is yes, the prompt is probably sufficient.

Goal
Relevant context
Useful output
Important limit
Post-check

This is how you can use this

A short, complete prompt can be six lines. A long prompt without a clear outcome can still be vague.

Try this prompt

Create [result] for [target audience]. Context: [context]. Deliver as [format] with [criteria]. Retain [critical data]. Highlight missing information and check your final version against the criteria.

Your practical assignment

Use the template for a real task. Afterwards, mark which part made the most difference.

Giving Clear Instructions

A prompt is a transfer

Goal and success criteria

Relevant context

Desired output

Boundaries and missing information

A complete but short prompt

Bring everything together