Most people get mediocre results from ChatGPT because they write mediocre prompts. Here are 10 formulas that consistently produce professional output.
The Structure of a Good Prompt
Every strong prompt has three parts: Role (tell the AI who it is), Task (tell it exactly what to do), and Context (give it the details it needs).
10 Proven Formulas
1. Role Prompt
You are a [expert role]. Help me [specific task].
2. Rewrite Prompt
Rewrite this in a [tone] tone for [audience]: [your text]
3. Bullet Summary
Summarise this in [number] bullet points, each under 15 words: [content]
4. Step-by-Step Guide
Give me a step-by-step guide for [task] for someone who has never done it before.
5. Options Prompt
Give me 5 different versions of [thing], each different in tone and length.
6. Feedback Prompt
Review this and tell me what to improve. Be specific: [content]
7. Persona Prompt
Respond as a [target customer]. What questions would you have about [product]?
8. Constraint Prompt
Write a [thing] in under [word count] words. No filler. Get to the point immediately.
9. Template Prompt
Create a reusable template for [document] I can fill in for different clients.
10. Iteration Prompt
That is good but make it [shorter / more formal / more conversational].
The One Rule
Treat ChatGPT like a first draft machine. Give a strong prompt, review the output, refine once or twice. AI speed plus your judgment produces better work than either alone.