Prompting

Say the job out loud

A short prompt gets a generic answer because the tool has to guess the job. Name the task, who it is for, and what “done” looks like. “Rewrite this” is weaker than “Rewrite this reminder for a patient, in plain words, under 80 words.”

Put the facts in the prompt. The tool does not know your prices, your deadlines, or your boss’s name unless you include them. If a fact is missing, tell it to ask instead of inventing one.

Constraints and format

Constraints are the rules: length, reading level, words to avoid, what must not be added. Format is the shape: a list, a table, a subject line plus three sentences, a checklist.

You can also give a small example of the tone you want. One example beats a pile of adjectives like “world-class” or “engaging.”

Role: Help a clinic receptionist.
Task: Rewrite the note below for a patient.
Constraints: Plain language. Under 80 words. No medical advice. If the date is missing, ask. Do not invent one.
Format: The message only.
Note: Pt needs to come fasting for labs tmrw 8am bring ins card.

Revise, don’t worship the first draft

The first reply is a start. Say what is wrong: “Shorter. You added a fee we do not charge. Keep the date as March 3.” Point at the line. Vague disappointment (“make it better”) gives you another generic draft.

Ask it to show uncertainty on purpose when the topic is factual: “List only claims you can tie to the text I pasted. If the text does not say, write ‘not in the source.’”