Write Precise AI Prompts with Context, Specificity & Chain of Thought Techniques

Contextual & Constraints Prompt Example

Step-by-Step Reasoning Prompt Example

Step 1: Setting Context and Constraints

1. Identify your current situation (e.g., launching a productivity app).
2. Define the target audience for the task.
3. State any limitations or constraints you are facing (e.g., limited budget, no paid ads).
4. Include the end goal you want to achieve within the prompt.
5. Write the background information in detail to reduce the risk of the AI 'guessing'.

Step 2: Defining Specificity (Verbs & Format)

1. Choose the right 'verb' based on the type of analysis you want (e.g., 'Summarize' for a summary, 'Compare' for comparative analysis, or 'Turn into action items' for a to-do list).
2. Explicitly define the output format you need.
3. Ask the AI to generate specific formats like 'Timeline', 'Table', or 'Bullet points' if necessary.

Step 3: Implementing One-Shot Prompting

1. Provide one example (pattern) of the desired output (e.g., one completed paragraph of a team bio).
2. Paste the example into the AI chat.
3. Instruct the AI to follow the writing style and length based on the provided example.
4. Use 2 to 3 examples if you want the AI to follow more complex patterns (Few-shot prompting).

Step 4: Iteration Process & Step-by-Step Reasoning

1. Submit your first prompt draft and review the output.
2. Identify any missing information or unsuitable styles.
3. Provide additional instructions (refine) to improve the result incrementally through a back-and-forth conversation.
4. Use the 'Step-by-Step Reasoning' technique by asking the AI to list logical steps before providing the final answer (e.g., ask the AI to list tasks and dependencies before determining a project end date).
5. Ask the AI to write a 'Master Prompt' that incorporates all refinements made for future use.