Prompting 101 — Say It So AI Can Help

A simple framework, proven recipes, and an iteration loop. Try the live boxes as you read.

Framework: R-T-C-E-C-O-T

ROLE — who the AI should act as TASK — what to do, in one line CONTEXT — facts/constraints/examples it must use EXAMPLES — (optional) input → output pairs CONSTRAINTS — style, tone, rules, length, do/don’t OUTPUT — exact format wanted (bullets, JSON, steps) TRACE — ask for assumptions or uncertainties

Summarize & Rephrase

ROLE: Communications assistant TASK: Rewrite text for clarity and brevity CONTEXT: Audience is non-technical, professional tone CONSTRAINTS: Keep to 120–150 words. Preserve original intent. OUTPUT: A single polished paragraph. TEXT: (paste below)

    

Extract & Structure

ROLE: Information extractor TASK: Pull key fields from messy text CONTEXT: Return only what is present; leave missing items blank CONSTRAINTS: Validate dates as YYYY-MM-DD OUTPUT: JSON: name, date, location, action, notes TEXT: (paste below)

    

Plan & Steps

ROLE: Project planner TASK: Break a goal into actionable steps CONTEXT: Beginner-level audience, minimal jargon CONSTRAINTS: Max 7 steps. Each step starts with a verb. OUTPUT: Numbered list of steps with 1–2 sentences each. GOAL: (type below)