Good prompts are reusable. Save these templates, replace the parts in [brackets] and you’ll get better first drafts in less time. Each one follows the role, context, task and format structure from our prompt engineering basics guide.
Email and messages
1. Reply to an email
Draft a reply to the email below. My goal is to [goal]. Tone: [friendly / formal / firm]. Keep it under [X] words and end with a clear next step.
Email: [paste]2. Say no politely
Help me decline [request] from [person/role]. I want to keep a good relationship and offer [alternative, if any]. Give me two versions: one short, one warmer.3. Follow up without being pushy
Write a short follow-up to [person] about [topic]. I last contacted them [when]. Remind them of [key point] and suggest [specific next step]. Under 80 words.Meetings
4. Build an agenda
Create a [length]-minute meeting agenda for [purpose]. Attendees: [roles]. Include time per item, the decision needed for each item and what people should prepare.5. Turn notes into minutes
Turn these rough meeting notes into clean minutes with three sections: decisions, action items (owner and due date) and open questions. Don't add anything that isn't in the notes.
Notes: [paste]Reading and writing
6. Summarize for a busy reader
Summarize the document below for [audience] in 5 bullet points, then list any risks or decisions they need to know about. Use only information from the document.
Document: [paste]7. Make it clearer
Edit this text for clarity and concision. Keep my voice and every fact. Show the edited version, then list the three biggest changes you made.
Text: [paste]8. Explain a complex topic simply
Explain [topic] to [audience] who knows nothing about it. Use one everyday analogy, avoid jargon and finish with the three things they most need to remember.Planning and thinking
9. Break a project into steps
I need to [project goal] by [deadline] with [resources/constraints]. Break it into phases and tasks, in order, and point out the tasks most likely to cause delays.10. Pressure-test a decision
I'm planning to [decision] because [reasons]. Act as a skeptical advisor. List the strongest arguments against it, what I might be missing and what would change your mind.11. Compare options
Compare [option A], [option B] and [option C] for [use case]. Make a table with [criteria]. Then give a recommendation and explain when a different option would be better.12. Prepare for a difficult conversation
I need to talk to [person/role] about [issue]. Help me plan: an opening line, the key points to make, likely objections with calm responses, and a clear ask to close with.Tips for using templates
- Keep your favorites in a notes app so you can paste them quickly.
- Add details specific to your company or audience once, then reuse.
- Always review the output. Templates speed up drafting; they don’t replace your judgment. Our guide to catching AI errors helps.
Leave a Reply