How to write your first prompt: a four-part method

By Gaone Dixon, 14 October 2026, 1 min read

A prompt is just the message you type to an AI tool. Vague prompts get vague answers. A clear one has four parts.

1. Who you are (or who the AI should act as): "I run a small bakery."
2. The task: "Write a reply to a customer whose order was late."
3. Context: "Offer 10% off their next order. They've ordered three times before."
4. Limits: "Under 80 words. Warm but professional."

Put together:

I run a small bakery. Write a reply to a customer whose cake order was late. Offer 10% off their next order; they've ordered three times before. Under 80 words, warm but professional.

If the answer isn't right

Don't start over. Reply with what to change: "Shorter", "Less formal", "Mention we've fixed our delivery schedule". Treat it as a conversation.

Try it now

Pick one message you need to write this week and use the four parts. Save the prompt if it works; that's your first reusable template.