A real AI use, explained simply

Tell AI what shape of answer you need

A good answer can still be hard to use if it comes in the wrong shape. Asking for a short list, a table, or a message you can send saves cleanup time.

Try it in 3 small steps

  1. Decide where you will use the answer next.
  2. Name the sections, length, and style you need.
  3. Ask AI not to add extra sections, then check important details.

Use this when

Useful for summaries, meeting notes, travel plans, shopping comparisons, and repeated messages.

Copy this and change the brackets

Please answer in this order: 1) [first thing], 2) [second thing], 3) [third thing]. Keep it under [length]. If you are unsure, add a final line called “What to check.”
How to make it work for you

Worth trying

It is easy to try and makes everyday answers easier to reuse.

Keep in mind

Do not make the format so strict that useful information has nowhere to go. Leave a “notes” line for uncertain work.

Next, make it your own

Source and notes

OpenAI · Official guide · checked 2026-07-15

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Original sources connected to this method