LESSON 5 OF 12 / ABOUT 5 MINUTES
Give a clear brief
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What you will learn
Write an instruction with a goal, facts, limits and a useful format.
The idea
Tell the tool what the reader needs, which facts it can use, and what it must not assume. Include the output format and approximate length. This is less about clever wording than giving a colleague a clear brief. If something essential is missing, ask for a question or a placeholder instead of a guess. Keep instructions separate from source material so the role of each is clear.
A workplace example
THE SITUATION
Write a client update using these facts: session one completed; practice notes attached; session two Friday. Use a friendly professional tone. Do not invent a time.
A USEFUL APPROACH
A short email with the completed step, attached material, Friday confirmation and a request to bring one task.
WHAT TO CHECK
Does the draft use only the supplied facts? Is the next action easy to find?
Try it
Write a brief for a routine message with four parts: goal, facts, limits, format.
Use fictional details. Keep your notes with you; this preview does not collect them.
Remember this
A clear brief gives the tool fewer reasons to guess.