How to write a good prompt

Brief it like a new colleague: who you are, the situation, the task, the limits and what good looks like. Then let it interview you.

A simple pattern we use every night, C-T-L-E:

  1. Context: who you are and the situation. "I run a 40-person logistics firm in Shah Alam."
  2. Task: what you want. "Draft a one-page policy for using AI tools."
  3. Limits: length, tone, format, tools, budget, what to avoid. "Plain English, no legal jargon, under 400 words."
  4. Example: what good looks like, or a past document to copy the style from.

Then add: "Ask me questions until you are sure you understand the problem."

When the result is off, say so plainly: "Simpler." "Remove this step." "That is not how we work." "What am I missing?"

Modern models follow instructions closely, so if you want something specific (a table, Malaysian spelling, ringgit), ask for it.

Learn it hands on, with us.

Free AI build nights in Kuala Lumpur. Bring one real problem and leave with a working tool.

Sign up for next gathering