Brand Logo
Log in
Back to guides

Master ChatGPT prompts with a 6-step formula

No media available

The Rundown: In this tutorial, you will learn the formula to master ChatGPT prompts and get the best possible outputs.

image-1811.png


The 6-Step Prompt Formula

ChatGPT can be unpredictable - while sometimes it can give you the exact output you want, other times it gives you generic, AI-sounding answers.

This is the formula you should use when writing your prompts to get the best possible outputs from ChatGPT.

  • First, it is important to note that the some steps are more important than others. Focusing on the more important steps should be a priority
image-1812.png


  • When creating your prompt, treat these steps as a checklist, in order of importance


1. Task

The task is the heart of your prompt, and tells ChatGPT what you want it to do.

  • For optimal results, always begin with an action verb like "generate," "write," or "analyze,” etc
  • Clearly define your end goal, whether a simple request or a complex multi-step instruction

Examples:

Simple:

Generate a three-month diet program

Complex:

Analyze the collected user feedback from my newsletter, summarize the top 3 takeaways with a focus on improvement, and categorize the rest based on importance.

image-1813.png


2. Context

Context gives ChatGPT the relevant info to maximize outputs. Providing as much context as possible will help ChatGPT understand you and your needs better.


  • These three questions can help guide you in what specific context to provide ChatGPT with:
  1. What's the user's background?
  2. What does success look like?
  3. What environment are they in?


Example:

"I'm a 250lbs male aiming to lose 20lbs of fat in three months. I only have time to cook meals once a week for 2 hours on Sundays. Provide a three-month diet program to assist me."

image-1814.png


3. Examples

Examples are frameworks that allow ChatGPT to structure outputs better. Examples allow ChatGPT to mimic the style, structure, and tone of almost anything.

Research shows that including examples in your prompt can significantly enhance the output quality, and stop it from being generic “ChatGPT sounding.”


Example:

You’re a hiring manager in a marketing team responsible for writing the job description for a marketing manager job opening.

Your team primarily focuses on increasing brand awareness for Netflix’s advertising platform to acquire new partners.

Draft the job description using the format of this existing job description below: [paste example].

  • From here, you could paste a job description from a job posting on LinkedIn that you may have liked the tone, structure, style, and headers from. ChatGPT will do its magic and mimic the way that the job posting was written, but using your context.

Note: They are not necessary for every prompt, but including a relevant example dramatically improves the quality of your output.

image-1815.png


4. Persona

Persona is about embodying a specific character or expertise in ChatGPT. Imagine having instant access to an expert relevant to your task.

This step is less important in the 6-step formula but is a powerful ChatGPT technique.


Examples:

For injury rehab:

You are a physical therapist specializing in athlete recovery. Generate me a 2-month program that helps me recover from my tennis elbow

For job seekers:

You are a hiring manager at a Fortune 500 company. Ask me 20 questions that will help me prepare for my future job interviews


Pro tip: You can get ChatGPT to respond as specific famous individuals.

For example:

Rewrite this blog post in the style of Eminem.

image-1816.png


5. Format

Visualize your desired output. Declaring the format to ChatGPT will help you structure your outputs in unique ways.

  • Do you want a table, bullet points, or a paragraph? Specify this in your prompt.


Example:

I’ve collected reader feedback for my newsletter after dozens of responses for improvement.
Output in a table with headers: original feedback, priority, and level of difficulty.
Here’s the feedback: [paste feedback here]


In addition to tables, other common formats that ChatGPT can generate flawlessly are bullet points, email format, code blocks, paragraphs, and markdown.

image-1817.png


6. Tone

The tone sets the mood of the output.

  • Specify whether you want a casual, formal, witty, or enthusiastic output.


Sometimes, it can be hard to describe a specific tone that you want to include. But no worries, there’s a prompt if you’re stuck on that too.

  • To get the perfect tone for your prompt, just describe your feelings:

Example:

I'm drafting an email to a new team. I want to sound professional but not too cringe. Suggest 5 tones I can use for my draft."

  • Now, select your favorite tone from the list and input it into your full prompt


Examples:

Use a casual tone of voice

Use a formal tone of voice

Give me a witty output

Show enthusiasm

Sound pessimistic


Use a formal tone of voice

Give me a witty output

Show enthusiasm

Sound pessimistic

image-1818.png


Conclusion

That’s it! You are now able to take your ChatGPT prompts to the next level, and enhance the quality and accuracy of its outputs.