Most people think using AI is just typing a question and hoping for magic.
But here’s the truth:
The quality of your results depends on one key skill: effective prompting.
Without it, you’ll get vague, unhelpful responses.
With it, you unlock AI’s full potential.
There are two simple formulas you need to know.
The first is the RTF Formula:
Role. Task. Format.
It’s as simple as:
- Define who or what the AI should act as.
- State what needs to be done.
- Describe how you want the output.
This works for quick, direct results.
For example:
Role:
Act as a project manager leading the implementation of a new CRM system for a large organization.
Task:
Develop a project plan for the CRM implementation. Include project goals, key milestones, potential risks and mitigation strategies, a stakeholder communication plan, and a high-level timeline.
Format:
Present the output as a structured document with the following sections:
- Project Goals
- Key Milestones
- Risks and Mitigation Strategies
- Stakeholder Communication Plan
- High-Level Timeline
Simple. Direct. Effective.
The second is the CREATE Formula:
Character. Request. Examples. Adjustments. Output. Extras.
This is for tackling complex tasks.
It builds a conversation with AI by:
- Assigning a persona to the AI.
- Clearly outlining the task.
- Providing sample outputs or context.
- Adding constraints or nuances.
- Defining the format for the deliverable.
- Including quality checks or criteria.
For example:
Role:
You are a project manager responsible for the successful implementation of a CRM system for a large organization.
Character:
The AI should act as a senior project management consultant experienced in enterprise-level CRM implementations.
Request:
Develop a detailed project plan for the CRM implementation, focusing on strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. Ensure the plan includes the following:\n
- Project goals\n
- Key milestones\n
- Risks and mitigation strategies\n
- Stakeholder engagement plan\n
- High-level timeline\n
- Budget considerations
Examples:
- The CRM implementation is expected to integrate with existing tools such as Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and SAP.\n
- Example milestones include completing a data migration by Q2 and user training by Q3.\n
- Risk examples: lack of stakeholder buy-in, delays in data migration, and training challenges.\n
- Budget constraints: The project must stay under $1M with a focus on cost-efficiency.
Adjustments:
Refine the project plan to emphasize cross-departmental communication strategies and the importance of executive buy-in. Use clear, concise language suitable for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Output Format:
Provide the plan as a structured document with these sections:\n
- Executive Summary\n
- Project Goals and Scope\n
- Key Milestones and Timeline\n
- Risks and Mitigation Strategies\n
- Stakeholder Communication Plan\n
- Budget Overview and Cost Control Measures
Evaluation Criteria:
Ensure the plan aligns with best practices for enterprise-level project management. Evaluate against:\n
- Feasibility of milestones\n
- Practicality of risk mitigation\n
- Clarity of stakeholder engagement strategies\n
- Adherence to budget constraints
This formula is structured yet flexible, making it perfect for nuanced scenarios.
The key takeaway?
Prompting isn’t a luxury. It’s a superpower.
- For quick, direct outputs, use RTF.
- For complex, structured tasks, use CREATE.
Master these formulas, and AI stops being a guessing game.
It becomes your competitive edge.
The RTF formula is relatively simple but the CREATE formula is more complex.
Don’t let this stop you. Try both. See how they work. Tweak them and learn from them.
Let me know if you’d like to see more longer posts like this on my website.
