Also written: role prompting, you are a, pretend you are
Telling the AI which role to play, such as a teacher, editor or lawyer-style reviewer.
What the AI does
It adjusts its vocabulary, depth and focus to match that role.
When to use it
When you want answers from a specific point of view or level of expertise.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. The AI Compass Prompt Builder starts its prompts with a Role section. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Giving a role but no task or context.
Expecting the role to add real credentials: the AI is still not a licensed professional.
Example
Act as an experienced high-school science teacher. Explain how vaccines train the immune system in 5 short paragraphs for 15-year-olds.
few-shot
Also written: examples first, show examples, few-shot prompting
Giving the AI a few examples of the input and the answer you want before your real request.
What the AI does
It copies the pattern, format and style of your examples.
When to use it
When the format or tone is hard to describe but easy to show.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Label examples clearly, for example 'Example 1:' and 'Now do this one:'. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Examples that disagree with each other.
Too many long examples that crowd out the real task.
Example
Turn product names into short taglines. Example: 'Desk lamp' -> 'Light that works as late as you do.' Example: 'Water bottle' -> 'Cold for hours, ready for anything.' Now: 'Running shoes'.
zero-shot
Also written: no examples, zero-shot prompting
Asking for a task directly, with instructions but no examples.
What the AI does
It relies on its general training to guess the best format and style.
When to use it
For simple, common tasks where the expected answer is obvious.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Using it for unusual formats, then being surprised by the result.
Leaving out the format, length or audience.
Example
Summarize the following article in 3 bullet points for a busy manager: [paste article]
step by step
Also written: /stepbystep, think step by step, chain of thought, show your reasoning, Step-by-step
Asking the AI to work through a problem in steps, or to answer as a numbered sequence of steps.
What the AI does
It breaks the task into smaller parts, which often reduces mistakes in maths, logic and planning.
When to use it
For calculations, decisions, instructions and multi-part problems.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. 'Step-by-step' is also one of the AI Compass Prompt Builder's format answers. Some models have a built-in thinking mode instead. Typing /stepbystep is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Trusting the steps without checking the final answer.
Asking for steps on a trivial question, which only makes the answer longer.
Example
I have 1,200 to spend on a 4-day trip for two. Work through a budget step by step: transport, stay, food, activities, buffer.
system prompt
Also written: system message, custom instructions, standing instructions
Background rules given to the AI before the conversation, which apply to every reply.
What the AI does
It follows those rules (role, tone, limits) across the whole chat unless you change them.
When to use it
When you build an app on an AI model, or want the same behaviour in every reply.
Where it works
Developers set it through the API (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google). Chat apps offer similar 'custom instructions' or project settings. In a normal chat, you can state rules at the start instead. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Putting secrets or passwords in it.
Writing rules that contradict each other.
Example
For the rest of this chat: reply in plain English, keep answers under 120 words, and ask me one question if anything is unclear. First task: help me plan a weekly study schedule.
context
Also written: background, give context, background info
The background facts the AI needs: who you are, what the result is for and what it should know.
What the AI does
It uses the details to tailor the answer instead of guessing.
When to use it
Almost always, especially for personal, business or technical requests.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. The AI Compass Prompt Builder writes a Context section for you. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Assuming the AI knows your company, project or earlier chats.
Pasting huge amounts of unrelated text.
Example
Context: I run a small bakery with 3 staff and mostly local customers. Task: suggest 5 low-cost ideas to bring in more weekday customers.
audience
Also written: for beginners, for professionals, for children, General public, target reader
Saying who will read or use the result. The Prompt Builder offers: General public, Professionals, Beginners, Children.
What the AI does
It changes vocabulary, detail and examples to fit that reader.
When to use it
Whenever the same topic could be explained at different levels.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. One of the AI Compass Prompt Builder's quick answers. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to name the audience, so the answer is too simple or too technical.
Naming several very different audiences in one request.
Example
Explain what inflation is for children aged 9-10, using one everyday example and no numbers above 100.
How the text should sound. Prompt Builder offers Professional, Friendly, Playful, Authoritative; email tools also offer Formal, Urgent, Apologetic, Casual.
What the AI does
It changes word choice, sentence length and warmth to match.
When to use it
For emails, posts, letters and anything a person will read.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Tone is a quick answer in the AI Compass Prompt Builder and an option in the Email tool. Typing /formal or /casual is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Asking for opposite tones at once, like 'formal and playful'.
Choosing 'urgent' for messages that are not really urgent.
Example
Rewrite this message to my landlord in a polite, professional tone, keeping it under 100 words: [paste message]
format
Also written: output format, Short list, Detailed paragraphs, Step-by-step, Markdown table
The shape of the answer. Prompt Builder offers Short list, Detailed paragraphs, Step-by-step and Markdown table.
What the AI does
It structures its reply in that shape, which makes it easier to read or reuse.
When to use it
Whenever you will copy, scan or compare the result.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. A quick answer in the AI Compass Prompt Builder and the 'Output format' section of its prompts. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Not saying the format, then reformatting by hand.
Asking for a table with no column names.
Example
List 6 healthy breakfast ideas as a short list. For each: name, prep time, one main ingredient.
Markdown table
Also written: /table, table, as a table, comparison table
A text table with rows and columns that chat apps display as a grid.
What the AI does
It organises facts into the columns you name, one item per row.
When to use it
For comparisons, schedules, checklists and data you may paste into a spreadsheet.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Most chat apps render Markdown tables; plain text fields show the raw | symbols. Typing /table is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Not naming the columns.
Asking for very long text inside cells.
Example
Compare 3 note-taking methods (outline, Cornell, mind map) in a Markdown table with columns: method, best for, how it works, downside.
JSON
Also written: return JSON, JSON format, structured output
A strict data format with keys and values that programs can read.
What the AI does
It answers with JSON matching the keys you list, ideally with no extra text.
When to use it
When the answer will be used by code, a spreadsheet tool or an automation.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Developers can also enforce a JSON schema through the OpenAI, Anthropic and Google APIs. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Not listing the exact keys and value types.
Not checking that the JSON is valid before using it.
Example
Return only JSON, no other text. Extract from this note: name, email, meeting_date (YYYY-MM-DD), topic. Note: [paste note]
bullet points
Also written: /bullets, bullets, list, as a list
Asking for the answer as a list of short points.
What the AI does
It splits the content into separate, scannable items.
When to use it
For summaries, checklists, ideas and key takeaways.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Typing /bullets is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Not giving the number of points you want.
Asking for bullets when you need connected reasoning.
Example
Give me 5 bullet points on how to prepare for a job interview, one sentence each.
under 200 words
Also written: /shorter, Under 200 words, word limit, max words, keep it short, length
A limit on how long the answer can be. 'Under 200 words' is one of the Prompt Builder's quick answers.
What the AI does
It tries to keep within the limit, though counts are approximate.
When to use it
For social posts, summaries, emails and any text with space limits.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Limits in sentences or bullet points are usually followed more exactly than word counts. Typing /shorter is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Expecting an exact count: check and trim if it matters.
Setting a limit too small for everything you asked.
Example
Explain what a credit score is in under 120 words, in plain language.
no jargon
Also written: No jargon, plain language, simple words
Asking the AI to avoid technical terms or explain them simply. A Prompt Builder quick answer.
What the AI does
It uses everyday words and defines any term it cannot avoid.
When to use it
When the reader is not an expert in the subject.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Combining 'no jargon' with a highly technical audience.
Not saying which terms must stay because readers will meet them.
Example
Explain how a mortgage interest rate works with no jargon, as if talking to someone buying a home for the first time.
include examples
Also written: Include examples, give examples, with examples
Asking the AI to add concrete examples to its answer. A Prompt Builder quick answer.
What the AI does
It adds short, specific illustrations that make abstract points easier to follow.
When to use it
For explanations, teaching material and guides.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Different from few-shot, where you give the examples. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Not checking that the examples are realistic and correct.
Asking for many examples in a short answer.
Example
Explain the difference between 'affect' and 'effect' and include 3 example sentences for each.
cite sources
Also written: Cite sources, with sources, add references, citations
Asking the AI to show where its facts come from. A Prompt Builder quick answer.
What the AI does
With web search it can link real pages; without search it may invent sources.
When to use it
For research, facts, statistics and anything you will publish.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Only tools that can search the web or read your documents give reliable links. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Trusting a citation without opening it.
Asking a model with no search to cite recent facts.
Example
Using only the article I paste below, answer: what are the 3 main findings? Quote the sentence each finding comes from. Article: [paste text]
constraints
Also written: rules, requirements, must, don't
Rules the answer must follow, such as length, things to avoid or must-haves. The Prompt Builder offers: Under 200 words, No jargon, Include examples, Cite sources.
What the AI does
It checks its answer against the rules and leaves out what you excluded.
When to use it
When there are things the answer must or must not contain.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. The 'Constraints' section of AI Compass Prompt Builder prompts. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Too many rules at once, some of them conflicting.
Only saying what not to do, without saying what to do.
Example
Write a product description for a reusable lunch box. Constraints: under 80 words, no exclamation marks, mention it is dishwasher safe, no health claims.
delimiters
Also written: triple quotes, ### markers, quotes around text, separators
Symbols such as ''' or ### that mark where pasted text starts and ends.
What the AI does
It can tell your instructions apart from the material it should work on.
When to use it
When you paste long text, emails, code or data.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Any clear marker works; there is no single required symbol. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Pasting text with no separation, so the AI follows instructions hidden in it.
Using markers but not saying what the marked text is.
Example
Translate the text between ### into Spanish, keeping the formatting. ### [paste text] ###
temperature
Also written: randomness, creativity setting, temp
A developer setting that controls how varied or predictable an AI model's wording is.
What the AI does
Lower values give more consistent answers; higher values give more varied ones. It is set in the API, not in your message.
When to use it
When building with an API and you need either consistency or variety.
Where it works
Only through APIs or developer tools that expose it. Writing 'temperature 0' in a chat message (including the AI Compass chat) does nothing reliable; ask for 'consistent' or 'more creative' wording instead. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Typing 'temperature' in a normal chat and expecting a setting change.
Thinking low temperature makes answers factually correct.
Example
Give me 10 very different, unusual name ideas for a cat cafe. Be creative and avoid common puns.
refine
Also written: iterate, follow-up, revise, try again
Improving a result with follow-up messages instead of starting over.
What the AI does
It keeps what worked and changes only what you point out.
When to use it
After the first answer is close but not quite right.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. AI Compass also offers one-tap refine chips such as Shorter, Longer and More formal. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Vague feedback like 'make it better'.
Starting a new chat and losing the useful context.
Example
That is close. Keep the structure, but make the opening line more specific and cut the last paragraph.
CRAFT
Also written: Role Context Task Format Constraints, prompt framework
A checklist for writing prompts: Role, Context, Task, Output format, Constraints.
What the AI does
Covering each part gives it what it needs, so it guesses less.
When to use it
For longer or important requests where quality matters.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. The AI Compass Prompt Builder writes text prompts in these sections. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Filling every section with filler instead of real details.
Forgetting the Task section is the most important one.
Example
Role: career coach. Context: I am a nurse moving into healthcare IT. Task: write a 3-sentence LinkedIn summary. Output format: one paragraph. Constraints: no buzzwords, first person.
AIDA
Also written: Attention Interest Desire Action, marketing formula
A copywriting structure: grab Attention, build Interest, create Desire, ask for Action.
What the AI does
It writes the text in those four stages, ending with a clear call to action.
When to use it
For ads, landing pages, sales emails and promotional posts.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. AI Compass Premium prompts may name frameworks like AIDA. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Overselling or making claims the product cannot back up.
Forgetting to say what the action is (buy, sign up, book).
Example
Write a short Instagram caption for a weekend yoga class using the AIDA structure. Action: book a spot through the link in bio.
STAR
Also written: Situation Task Action Result, STAR method
A structure for describing experience: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
What the AI does
It organises your story into those four parts, focusing on what you did and the outcome.
When to use it
For interview answers, CVs and performance reviews.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Letting the AI invent results or numbers you did not achieve.
Spending most of the answer on the situation instead of your actions.
Example
Help me answer 'Tell me about a time you handled a conflict' using STAR. My situation: [describe briefly]. Use only the facts I give you.
explain like I'm 5
Also written: /eli5, ELI5, explain simply, for a child
Asking for a very simple explanation, as if to a young child.
What the AI does
It uses simple words, everyday comparisons and short sentences.
When to use it
When a topic feels confusing and you want the basic idea first.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. One of the presets in the AI Compass Improve tool. Typing /eli5 is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Using the simplified version where precise details matter.
Not asking for a more detailed follow-up afterwards.
Example
Explain like I'm 5: how does the internet send a photo from my phone to my friend's phone?
persona
Also written: voice, character, speak as
A consistent character or voice for the AI's writing, such as a calm coach or a friendly guide.
What the AI does
It keeps that personality, style and point of view across replies.
When to use it
For brand voices, practice conversations and creative writing.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Asking it to impersonate a real, identifiable person.
A persona so strong it gets in the way of clear answers.
Example
Use the persona of a patient, encouraging running coach. I am a beginner. Give me a 3-week plan to run 5 km without stopping.
ask me questions first
Also written: clarifying questions, ask before answering, interview me
Asking the AI to ask you questions before it answers.
What the AI does
It asks about missing details first, then writes a better-tailored answer.
When to use it
When your request is broad or you are unsure what details matter.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. The AI Compass Prompt Builder works this way automatically. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Not answering the questions it asks.
Asking for questions on a simple task that does not need them.
Example
I want to start a small online shop. Before giving advice, ask me up to 5 questions, one at a time.
summarize
Also written: /tldr, /summarize, TL;DR, summary, key points, shorten
Asking the AI to condense text into its main points.
What the AI does
It keeps the key ideas and drops detail, at the length you set.
When to use it
For long articles, reports, meeting notes and email threads.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. Typing /tldr or /summarize is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Not checking the summary against the original for missing or wrong points.
Not saying the length or audience of the summary.
Example
Summarize the meeting notes below in 5 bullet points, then list action items with owners. Notes: [paste notes]
paraphrase
Also written: /rewrite, rewrite, reword, rephrase, say it differently
Rewriting text in different words while keeping the meaning.
What the AI does
It changes wording and sentence structure, and can change tone or length if you ask.
When to use it
To improve clarity, change tone, or avoid repeating yourself.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. AI Compass has a Paraphraser tool with Formal, Casual, Shorter and Longer chips. Typing /rewrite is not an official command in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini; it works only because the model reads the word as an instruction.
Common mistakes
Using it to pass off someone else's work as your own.
Not checking that the meaning stayed the same.
Example
Paraphrase this paragraph to be clearer and more formal, keeping the same meaning: [paste paragraph]
pros and cons
Also written: advantages and disadvantages, compare, trade-offs
Asking for the benefits and drawbacks of options side by side.
What the AI does
It lists strengths and weaknesses for each option, often ending with a comparison.
When to use it
When choosing between options, tools, plans or ideas.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Not giving your own priorities, so the comparison is generic.
Treating its verdict as a final decision on health, legal or money matters.
Example
Compare learning to code with Python vs JavaScript for a complete beginner who wants to build websites. Give pros and cons in a table, then a short recommendation.
check your answer
Also written: double-check, verify, review your answer, self-critique
Asking the AI to review its own answer for mistakes or gaps.
What the AI does
It re-reads its reply and points out or fixes problems it can find.
When to use it
For calculations, facts, code and important documents.
Where it works
Plain words in any chat assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others) and in the AI Compass chat. No special symbols needed. This is a writing technique, not a built-in command.
Common mistakes
Treating its self-check as proof: it can miss its own errors.
Not checking key facts yourself.
Example
Check your previous answer for factual errors, missing steps and unclear wording. List any problems, then give a corrected version.
Every guide and dictionary card is also in the AI Compass app, with saved items, search and “Try it” buttons that open chat, image or video with the example filled in. Reading is free; creating uses credits, and the price is shown before you start.