Prompt: the 5-part brief that fixes vague ChatGPT answers

The task

Get a usable first answer from any AI assistant (an email, a reply, a message) instead of a generic template full of blanks.

WHO: I'm [WHO YOU ARE: role, business, city]. This is for [WHO WILL READ IT].
TASK: [ONE VERB + ONE DELIVERABLE, e.g. "Write an email telling a client their installation is delayed"].
FACTS (use only these, add nothing):
- [FACT 1]
- [FACT 2]
- [FACT 3]
RULES: [TONE], [LANGUAGE], under [N] words. Don't promise anything that isn't in the facts.
FORMAT: [THE SHAPE, e.g. "A subject line, then the email. End with one clear next step."]
Before you write anything: if something important is missing, ask me up to three questions. Don't guess.

How to use it

1. Fill in WHO in one line: your role, business and city, and who will read the result.
2. Write the TASK as one verb and one deliverable.
3. Paste your FACTS as a short list. Leave names and account numbers as placeholders like [CLIENT NAME].
4. Set the RULES (tone, language, length) and the FORMAT, then run it in your approved assistant.
5. If it asks questions, answer them. Read the result before it goes out. See the full test in How to use ChatGPT effectively.

What you get

An answer that uses every fact you gave and nothing else, in your tone and length, shaped the way you asked. If something important is missing, up to three questions instead of a guess.

Subject: Your water heater installation: new date, Tuesday, October 20

Hi Karine,

Our supplier delayed your 60-gallon water heater, so we can't install it on Thursday, October 15 as planned. It now arrives Monday, October 19.

We'd like to come Tuesday, October 20, between 8 a.m. and noon. Your current water heater still works until then.

We're taking $50 off the labour for the trouble.

To confirm Tuesday, just reply to this email or call us at 450-555-0142.

Thanks,
Marc