The Results Are Only as Good as the Request

In today’s generative AI landscape, where tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Bing, and Gemini are reshaping how we work, think, and create, one truth consistently rises above the hype: the results are only as good as the request.

At first glance, prompting seems deceptively simple—just ask a question or issue a command. But crafting a truly effective prompt is both an art and a science, and increasingly, it’s the key to unlocking AI’s transformative potential. Think of it less like programming and more like a new form of dialogue—one that blends clarity, creativity, and strategic intent.

Prompting with Purpose: Start with CREATE

If prompting is the new literacy, the CREATE framework offers a easy to remember foundation. This simple mnemonic helps structure clear, contextual prompts that guide AI to better results. Use this checklist to build better AI prompts—from scratch or through iteration.

C Character Define the AI’s role or expertise

R Request Be clear and specific about what you want

E Examples Provide examples, samples, or templates

A Adjustments Refine based on results; give clarifications

T Type of Output Specify format (e.g., list, article, email)

E Extras Add unique constraints or preferences

This framework encourages a more intentional, iterative relationship with AI tools—one where your guidance actively shapes the quality of what you receive. It’s not just about asking the machine to help. It’s about enabling it to help well.

Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Prompts

While CREATE sets the stage, advanced users know that generative AI becomes exponentially more powerful when treated as a collaborator, not a simple assistant. Here’s how to take prompting to the next level:

The Anatomy of a Strong Prompt

Many guides go beyond CREATE and outline these basic building blocks:

• Clarity of Purpose: What exactly are you asking for?

• Specificity: The more detailed the instruction, the less room for misinterpretation.

• Context: Provide background information that frames the task.

• Role or Persona: Tell the AI who it is—editor, engineer, educator, etc.

• Tone and Style Guidance: Should the output be formal, conversational, and persuasive?

• Constraints or Requirements: Word counts, formats, time frames, and more.

• Examples: Templates help illustrate expectations.

• Target Audience: Tailor language and content accordingly.

• Input/Output Formats: Be clear about what you’re giving and what you expect to receive.

These elements form a strong foundation. But for anyone looking to build AI tools into their workflows—especially in enterprise or technical settings—they’re not enough.

As an IT professional with nearly 50 years of experience, I’ve seen how small improvements in human-machine interaction can lead to outsized gains. And in the context of generative AI, the difference between a mediocre result and a breakthrough output often lies in the sophistication of the prompt.

Taking Prompts to the Next Level

Think Modular: Composite Outputs for Complex Tasks

For multifaceted challenges—like developing a user manual, drafting a grant proposal, or designing a training curriculum—avoid the temptation to prompt for everything at once. Break the task into logical components and guide the AI to produce individual outputs that interlock like puzzle pieces. This ensures consistency in tone and structure while maintaining clarity at each stage.

Train Your GPTs: Provide Foundational Materials

Custom GPTs offer a powerful way to build specialized assistants for recurring needs. But to maximize their utility, treat them like new team members: onboard them. Feed them internal style guides, industry-specific terminology, or client preferences. The more context you provide upfront, the more aligned and efficient the output becomes.

Expertise Still Matters: Know Your Topic

Despite its capabilities, AI can hallucinate, misinterpret, or oversimplify. Your own subject-matter knowledge remains crucial—not just for vetting results, but for guiding the AI toward more relevant questions and deeper insights. In areas where your knowledge is light, don’t be afraid to cross-reference outputs with other models or reliable sources. AI isn’t a shortcut to expertise—it’s an amplifier of it.

Prompting for Discovery vs. Execution

Not all prompts serve the same function. Some seek specific, highly formatted answers; others invite exploration. Learn when to be exact and when to be expansive. For factual outputs, precision is your ally. But for brainstorming or problem-solving, open-ended prompts often yield more surprising and valuable responses. And remember: prompting is iterative. Start broad, refine often.

Co-Creating, Not Commanding

AI thrives when it’s treated as a collaborator, not a vending machine. It can challenge your assumptions, suggest alternative angles, or even surface blind spots you didn’t know you had. When you engage with it as a thinking partner—testing ideas, layering context, probing for nuance—you create a feedback loop that multiplies your capabilities.

Prompting Is the New Communication Skill

In many ways, prompting well is no different than giving instructions to a colleague. It demands empathy, precision, and foresight. And increasingly, it’s becoming a core competency—not just for tech professionals, but for writers, analysts, educators, and anyone seeking to work effectively in an AI-augmented world.

The next generation of productivity won’t come from using AI tools—it will come from knowing how to talk to them.

In the Age of AI, Prompting Isn’t Just a Skill—It’s a Form of Literacy

So, here’s the real question: how are you refining the way you ask?