Home > Resources > Practical information > 10 tips for writing the perfect prompt

10 tips for writing the perfect prompt

Published on 8 July 2025
Share this page :

Do you want the AI to understand exactly what you want it to do? The quality of its response depends directly on the quality of your instruction. It all starts with a good prompt!
Here are 10 essential tips for guiding AI like a pro.

Illustration for FP68 - writing a perfect prompt

1. Use action verbs in the imperative tense

  • Why is this? Direct instructions avoid any ambiguity.
  • How do we do it? Start your sentence with: writes, translates, summarises, analyses, compares, classifies, generates, corrects, optimises, codes...
  • Example : Summarises the following article in 150 words:

2. Be clear, precise and concise

  • Why is this? A short, focused prompt reduces irrelevant responses.
  • How do we do it? Make only one request at a time and specify the expected result.
  • Example: Summarise this article in 3 key sentences.

3. Indicate the desired output format

  • Why is this? The AI adapts its rendering (bulleted list, table, Python code, etc.).
  • How do we do it? Explicitly state the type of format.
  • Example: Present the advantages and disadvantages in a 2-column table.

4. Define the role or persona of the AI

  • Why is this? The tone, vocabulary and technical level adjust instantly.
  • How do we do it? "Act like a ...", "You are ...".
  • Example: Answer as a lawyer specialising in employment law.

5. Define constraints (length, style, tone)

  • Why is this? You retain control over the final form.
  • How do we do it? Limit the number of words or characters and choose a style (humorous, formal, etc.).
  • Example: Write an argument of no more than 200 words, in a user-friendly tone, with no jargon.

6. Provide the context or key information

  • Why is this? The more the AI knows, the more relevant the answer.
  • How do we do it? Give the source text, the objective, the audience, the figures...
  • Example: Here's the text to summarise: [text], My aim is to convince investors, I've already explored this avenue...

7. Define constraints (length, style, tone)

  • Why is this? You choose the most convincing version.
  • How do we do it? Specify the number or nature of the variants.
  • Example: 5 catchy headlines for an e-commerce newsletter.

8. Ask for variations or options

  • Why is this? The AI carries out a clear and logical process.
  • How do we do it? Number each operation.
  • Example:
    1. Analyses attached CSV data.
    2. Identifies three key trends.
    3. Write a one-page report.

9. Indicate the target audience

  • Why is this? The level of detail and the language register adapt.
  • How do we do it? Clearly define the recipient.
  • Example: Explain this concept as if to a 12-year-old child.

10. Test and refine your prompt

  • Why is this? A prompt is perfected by iteration.
  • How do we do it? Ask for rewording, clarify a section, add sources.
  • Example: Improve paragraph 2 to make it more motivating, develop point X and add a recent statistic.

Follow these 10 best practices and your prompt will become a GPS for the AI... and its answers will be straight to the point!

Our expert

Made up of journalists specialising in IT, management and personal development, the ORSYS Le mag editorial team [...]

field of training

associated training