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Practice · 30 examples
Prompts for common tasks, shown before and after a rewrite. Copy the improved version and use it on real work.
Your part
Every example ends with the step you take outside the prompt. A prompt can’t limit what a tool may access, check the answer or approve an action.
Decisions and plans
Before
“What price should we set for the new product?”
After
“I think €49 a month is right because [your reasoning], based on this data [data]. Where is my reasoning weakest, and what am I missing?”
Your part
Decide, and write down anything that changed your mind.
Why it works: Starting from your own view turns AI into a sparring partner and keeps the judgment yours.
Decisions and plans
Before
“Here’s my plan to open an office in Lisbon. Why is it a good idea?”
After
“Here’s my plan to open an office in Lisbon (attached). Act as a skeptical CFO. Give me the three strongest reasons it could fail, the assumptions I’m making without evidence and the data that would change your mind.”
Your part
Answer each objection in writing before you decide. The ones you can’t answer are your homework.
Why it works: A leading question invites agreement. A named skeptic gives the assistant permission to disagree.
Decisions and plans
Before
“Tell me which supplier to choose.”
After
“Compare these three supplier proposals against our criteria (attached) in a table, quoting the proposal for each score. Then list what I should verify before deciding.”
Your part
Verify the listed points, decide, and save the table with your decision and the reason. If anyone asks later, you can show how you chose.
Why it works: Quoting the proposal for each score ties the comparison to evidence, and the list of checks keeps the decision with you.