Original guide
A Better Starting Point for AI Prompts: Context
Why the goal, audience, constraints and review method matter more than a clever one-line prompt.
Start with the decision
Before writing a prompt, name the decision or output the work must support. A model can generate fluent material without understanding why the material matters.
Add the context that changes the answer
Audience, source material, constraints and examples give an AI system something useful to work with. Add only information you are allowed to share.
Make review part of the request
Ask for assumptions, open questions or a suggested checklist when the output affects research, customers, money or another person's work.
Ready for the next step?
Use this guide as a starting point, then explore the product when you are ready.