How to write a good AI prompt

Most bad AI answers come from short questions. Add four things and the answers get much better.

If you've ever asked an AI a question and gotten back something long, vague, or a little off, you're not doing it wrong. You just gave it too little to go on. An AI chat can't see you, your situation, or what you already know. A good prompt fills in those gaps.

The four parts of a good prompt

1. Who you are. "I'm 68 and new to smartphones." "I run a small bakery." "I'm a nursing student." One line changes the whole answer.
2. What you want. Say the job plainly: "Write," "Explain," "Make a list," "Help me decide."
3. The details. The facts it needs: names, dates, what happened, what you've tried. Leave out anything private (see the safety note below).
4. How you want the answer. "Keep it under 100 words." "Use simple words." "Give me three options." "Make it friendly, not stiff."

Before and after

Before: "Write an email to my landlord."

After: "I rent an apartment and my kitchen sink has leaked for a week. Write a short, polite email to my landlord asking for a repair this week. Mention I first reported it on Monday. Keep it friendly but clear."

The second one takes 20 seconds longer to write and saves you rewriting the answer.

Let it ask you questions first

If you're not sure what details matter, end your prompt with: "Before you answer, ask me any questions you need, one at a time." The AI will interview you, and the final answer will fit much better.

If the answer isn't right, just say so

You don't have to start over. Reply with what to change: "Shorter." "Less formal." "Add a line about the deadline." Treat it like a helper you're giving feedback to.

A safety note

Don't type private details into any AI tool: no Social Security, Medicare, bank, or card numbers, and no passwords. Use blanks like [MY ACCOUNT NUMBER] instead. You stay in charge of what you share.