The AI Prompt Formula: Role, Goal, Rules, Format (+ 9 Ready-Made Prompts)

The formula

Good prompts have four parts:

1. Role – who should the AI act as? Writer, copywriter, accountant, researcher, software engineer, proofreader, YouTuber, teacher.

2. Goal – what do you want? Write a blog post, an email, a video script; proofread my essay; analyse this text; research the best ways to…

3. Rules – any limits? Use simple language · formal or friendly tone · be concise · add detail · use reliable sources · short sentences · persuasive tone.

4. Format – how should it look? Bullet points · numbered list · table · sections with subheadings · code · include an analogy · include examples.

Example: Act as an accountant. Explain cash flow vs profit for a small contractor. Use simple language and one real-life example. Answer in 5 bullet points.

9 ready-made prompts

Email Write an email to [person] about [topic]. Conversational, human tone — not robotic. Clear ask at the end. Under 150 words.

Market research Research [industry/product] in [country]: trends, competitors, customer behaviour and gaps. Give me practical recommendations. Flag anything you're unsure about.

Content creation Write fresh, non-generic content on [topic] for [audience]. Use a story, examples and one surprising insight.

Data analysis Analyse this data: [paste or describe]. Find key trends, compare periods and give me 3 actionable takeaways in plain English.

Product description Write a product description for [product]. Highlight benefits, not just features. Concise, matching this brand voice: [describe].

Teaching Explain [concept] to [audience] using analogies, step-by-step explanation and one practical example. End with 3 check-your-understanding questions.

Video script Write a [YouTube/TikTok] script on [topic]: hook in the first 5 seconds, clear structure, strong call to action.

Management Give me practical best practices for managing [team/project]: leadership, motivation, handling conflict and productivity, suited to [workplace].

Idea generation Generate original ideas for [topic] using SCAMPER, mind mapping and lateral thinking. Avoid the obvious ones.

One habit that doubles your learning

After any good answer, reply: "Now teach me how you did that." You'll learn the reasoning — and get better at prompting every time.