Prompt EngineeringThe Art of Asking AI
Prompt engineering is knowing how to structure requests so AI produces exactly what you need. Same AI, better prompts, dramatically better results.
Core Frameworks
Battle-tested patterns for 90% of prompts
RTF Framework
Role, Task, Format — The simplest framework.
Template
Act as [ROLE]. [TASK]. Format: [FORMAT].
Example
Act as a marketing copywriter. Write a product description for wireless earbuds. Use 3 bullet points under 15 words each.
RISEN Framework
Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing — For complex tasks.
Template
[ROLE]. [INSTRUCTIONS]. Steps: [STEPS]. Goal: [GOAL]. Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS].
Example
You are a data analyst. Analyze Q4 sales. Steps: 1) Find trends 2) Spot anomalies 3) Recommend actions. Goal: CEO board report. Focus on products over $50.
Chain of Thought
Ask the AI to think step-by-step for reasoning tasks.
Template
[PROBLEM]. Think through this step by step. Double-check your work.
Example
I need to price my SaaS at 60% margin, costs are $5/user, competitors charge $15-25. Think step by step: calculate minimum price, analyze competitors, recommend with reasoning.
Advanced Techniques
Few-Shot Prompting
Show examples before asking.
Use when: Consistent formatting
Persona Stacking
Combine multiple roles.
Use when: Interdisciplinary insights
Constraint Prompting
Define what NOT to do.
Use when: Avoid common patterns
Recursive Refinement
Ask AI to critique itself.
Use when: Best possible output
Meta Prompting
Ask AI to help write prompts.
Use when: New task types
Output Templating
Provide exact structure.
Use when: Specific formatting
Prompt Patterns
Copy these templates and adapt them
The Explain Pattern
Template
Explain [TOPIC] to [AUDIENCE]. Use [ANALOGIES]. Avoid [JARGON].
Example
Explain blockchain to a 10-year-old. Use analogies from everyday life. Avoid technical terms.
The Transform Pattern
Template
Convert this [INPUT] into [OUTPUT]. Maintain [KEEP]. Change [MODIFY].
Example
Convert this formal report into a blog post. Maintain the data points. Change the tone to friendly.
The Critique Pattern
Template
Review this [ITEM] as a [ROLE]. Identify [N] strengths and [N] weaknesses. Suggest improvements.
Example
Review this resume as a Google hiring manager. Identify 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses. Suggest specific fixes.
Common Mistakes
Being too vague
✗ Don't
Write about technology
✓ Do
Write a 500-word article about AI in healthcare diagnostics, targeting skeptical hospital administrators
Why: Specificity leads to relevance.
Multiple unrelated tasks
✗ Don't
Write a poem, explain physics, give a recipe
✓ Do
One task per prompt. Chain prompts for multi-part work.
Why: Focus ensures quality.
No success criteria
✗ Don't
Make this better
✓ Do
Make this email more persuasive. Success = reader schedules a meeting.
Why: Define what "better" means to you.
Assuming context
✗ Don't
Continue from last time
✓ Do
Previously we discussed [summary]. Now I want to [next step].
Why: New chats have no memory.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Clear role defined?
- ✓ Task is specific?
- ✓ Format specified?
- ✓ Context provided?
- ✓ Examples included?
- ✓ Constraints mentioned?
- ✓ Success defined?
- ✓ One task at a time?