# Clear writing prompts: a practical guide

> Learn to write clear AI prompts with an audience, a concrete task, and an output format. Use a worked example to review and refine your next writing brief.

## Start with the reader

A clear writing prompt is a short brief that gives a model a task, an audience, and a definition of a useful result. Begin by naming who will read the output and what they should be able to do after reading it. A guide for a new customer needs different assumptions from an internal note for an experienced team.

## Put facts in the brief

List the facts the answer may use. A product description can include dimensions, materials, intended use, and the exact feature you want explained. Mark uncertain claims as questions to investigate. Ask for a placeholder when information is missing so you can supply the correct detail during review.

## Choose a format

Specify the length, structure, and tone in concrete terms. For example: write three short paragraphs, use everyday vocabulary, and close with one action. Give a real example of the tone when possible. A small sample often communicates more than several abstract adjectives.

## A worked example

**Input:** Help a new customer care for a ceramic mug.

**Prompt:** Write a 150-word care guide for a glazed ceramic mug. Address a first-time buyer. Use three headings: everyday cleaning, storage, and questions to ask the maker. Explain the care steps using only the supplied product facts. Flag any missing dishwasher or microwave information for review.

## Review one choice at a time

Read the result against your brief. Check factual statements first, then audience, structure, and tone. When a paragraph feels vague, identify the missing instruction and change that instruction. Keep a copy of the previous version so you can compare the effect. This makes your next prompt more deliberate and gives you a record of which details improved the result.

Try the [prompt tool](/) with your own writing task, then read the [image prompt guide](/blog/image-prompt-details) for another kind of creative brief.