Prompt

In one sentenceWhat you type (or say) to an AI to tell it what you want. Better prompts get better results.

What it means

A prompt is your instruction to the AI. It can be one line ("Summarize this") or a full brief with background, examples and rules.

The AI only knows what is in the prompt plus what it learned in training. It cannot read your mind, your inbox or your CRM unless you give it that context or connect it with a tool like MCP.

How to use it

• Use a simple formula: Role + Task + Context + Format. "You are a [role]. Write [task] for [audience]. Here is the background: [context]. Format: [length, tone, structure]."
• Show an example of what good looks like. One example beats ten adjectives.
• Say what to avoid: "No hashtags, no emojis, no questions at the end."
• Iterate. Reply with "shorter", "more specific", "sound less salesy" instead of starting over.

You are a LinkedIn ghostwriter for a [your title] who helps [audience]. Write a 150-word post about [topic]. Open with a surprising one-line hook, share one specific story, end with a question. Plain language, no hashtags, no emojis.

Related terms

Prompt Engineering System Prompt Few-Shot Prompting Prompt Template