If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, wondering how to get the best out of ChatGPT or any AI assistant, you’re not alone! Crafting the right prompt is an art-and a science. Recently, I came across a fantastic post by How to AI on LinkedIn that breaks down five frameworks for writing effective prompts. I found them so insightful that I just had to share them with you, along with my own tips and examples!
Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your AI-powered creativity.
1. The Role-Task-Format Framework
What is it?
This framework asks you to specify three things:
- The role you want the AI to play
- The task you want it to perform
- The format you want the answer in
Why does it work?
It gives the AI clear context, reducing ambiguity and improving results.
How to use it (Step-by-step):
- Assign a role: “You are a travel planner.”
- State the task: “Suggest a 5-day itinerary for Paris.”
- Specify the format: “Present it as a day-wise table.”
Example Prompt:
“You are a travel planner. Create a 5-day itinerary for Paris. Present the itinerary as a table with columns for day, morning, afternoon, and evening activities.”
2. The COT (Chain-of-Thought) Framework
What is it?
Encourage the AI to reason step-by-step, just like we do when solving a tricky problem.
Why does it work?
It helps the AI break down complex tasks, leading to more accurate and logical answers.
How to use it (Step-by-step):
- Ask your question: “How can I start a blog?”
- Add a reasoning cue: “Explain your answer step by step.”
Example Prompt:
“How can I start a blog? Explain your answer step by step, from choosing a niche to publishing the first post.”
3. The Persona Framework
What is it?
Ask the AI to adopt a specific persona or expertise level.
Why does it work?
It tailors the response to your audience-whether you want a beginner-friendly guide or an expert-level analysis.
How to use it (Step-by-step):
- Define the persona: “Act as a friendly tech tutor.”
- State the task: “Explain cloud computing to a 10-year-old.”
Example Prompt:
“Act as a friendly tech tutor and explain cloud computing to a 10-year-old using simple analogies.”
4. The Context-Question-Instruction Framework
What is it?
Provide background context, ask your question, and give any extra instructions for the answer.
Why does it work?
It ensures the AI understands the situation, leading to more relevant and actionable responses.
How to use it (Step-by-step):
- Give context: “I’m a small business owner with a tight budget.”
- Ask your question: “How can I market my business online?”
- Add instructions: “List practical, low-cost strategies.”
Example Prompt:
“I’m a small business owner with a tight budget. How can I market my business online? List practical, low-cost strategies.”
5. The Example-Driven Framework
What is it?
Show the AI what you want by providing an example.
Why does it work?
Examples clarify your expectations and help the AI mimic your preferred style or structure.
How to use it (Step-by-step):
- Give an example: “Here’s a sample product description: ‘This eco-friendly notebook is perfect for students and professionals alike.’”
- State the task: “Write a similar description for a reusable water bottle.”
Example Prompt:
“Here’s a sample product description: ‘This eco-friendly notebook is perfect for students and professionals alike.’ Write a similar description for a reusable water bottle.”
Final Thoughts
Prompting is like giving instructions to a very smart (but very literal) assistant. The clearer you are, the better your results! These frameworks from How to AI are game-changers-try them out and watch your AI conversations level up.
Have you tried any of these prompt frameworks? Share your experiences or favorite tips in the comments below!
Just Being Resourceful! 
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