Introduction
Have you ever found yourself thinking:
- “This isn’t the answer I expected…”
- “Why is the response so vague?”
- “The output format keeps changing…”
If so, there’s a good chance the issue lies in how the prompt is written.
The good news?
You don’t need technical skills to fix this.
In this article, we’ll introduce 4 simple yet powerful tips that help you craft prompts that actually get the results you want from ChatGPT.
1. Start with a Clear Objective
Why it matters
ChatGPT is versatile—but it’s not a mind reader.
If your goal isn’t clear, it may respond in a way you didn’t expect.
A one-line statement of purpose helps the model focus on the right task from the start.
Bad example
Take a look at this.
→ ChatGPT doesn’t know what you want—correction? summary? tone adjustment?
Good example
Please rewrite the following text as a formal business email.
→ The objective is clear, and the model will behave accordingly.
2. Provide Relevant Context Up Front
Why it matters
ChatGPT has no knowledge of your situation unless you tell it.
Lacking context, it tends to respond with general or off-target outputs.
Be explicit about the background, audience, or purpose.
Bad example
Can you improve this?
→ Improve what? For whom? In what way?
Good example
The following is a draft for an onboarding guide for new employees. Please rewrite it using simple, friendly language.
→ Now the model knows the goal and the target audience.
3. Specify the Output Format
Why it matters
Without format instructions, the output may vary—sometimes too verbose, sometimes too plain.
To make the content easier to read and reuse, define the desired format clearly.
Bad example
Give me some suggestions.
→ May result in a long paragraph or a loosely structured list.
Good example
Please provide three suggestions, listed as concise bullet points.
→ Structured and immediately usable.
Extra Tip
You can specify:
- Tables (e.g., “Return it as a Markdown table”)
- Code (e.g., “Show the code first, followed by a short explanation”)
4. Set Constraints
Why it matters
ChatGPT tends to be thorough—but sometimes too thorough.
Without constraints, outputs may be overly long or miss your tone.
Adding boundaries helps the model stay focused and concise.
Bad example
Write a self-introduction.
→ Might be too long, formal, or inconsistent with your intended tone.
Good example
Write a casual self-introduction in under 100 words.
→ Clear and purpose-fit output.
Useful constraints to try:
- Character or word limits
- Tone (formal, friendly, playful, etc.)
- Audience level (beginner, expert)
- Phrasing rules (avoid jargon, use polite language)
Summary: A 4-Step Approach to Better Prompts
Here’s a practical order to follow when crafting your prompts:
- State your objective in one clear line
- Provide the necessary context up front
- Specify the desired output format
- Set appropriate constraints
When in doubt, just go down this list—your prompts will become more effective, and your ChatGPT experience smoother and more productive.
