Prompting Made Simple: How to Get Better Results from AI Tools
AI tools can write, summarize, and brainstorm, but many people feel disappointed with the first results. The issue is often not the tool but the prompt. A clear prompt produces better answers. The good news is that prompting is a skill anyone can learn.
Why prompts matter
AI tools do not “just know” what you want. They work from the instructions you give. A vague prompt leads to vague results. For example, asking “write a social post” will give you something generic. Asking “write a 100-word LinkedIn post for shopping centre marketers about holiday gift guides” gives you something much more useful.
The difference is in the detail.
Three basics to start
When crafting prompts, focus on three basics:
Role – Tell the AI who it is. Example: “You are a leasing assistant.”
Context – Explain the situation. Example: “We need to prepare email drafts for prospective tenants.”
Task – State what you want. Example: “Draft a short, professional email that introduces available spaces.”
These three steps set a clear frame. The AI can then respond with focused, relevant output.
Simple refinements
Once you have the basics, you can refine. Ask for:
length: short, medium, or long
tone: friendly, professional, or formal
format: list, paragraph, or table
Adding these small details helps you get closer to the output you want.
For instance, “Summarize this report in three bullet points for executives” is much sharper than “Summarize this.”
Avoid common pitfalls
The most common mistake is asking too little. People often give one-line prompts and expect polished work. The result feels flat. Another mistake is overloading the prompt with jargon or buzzwords. Keep it simple and clear.
Also, resist the urge to keep re-asking the same vague prompt. Instead, adjust. Add clarity on role, context, or task. You’ll see results improve quickly.
Everyday examples
Here are some simple use cases across industries:
CRE leasing: “You are a leasing coordinator. Draft a short, clear email to a prospect who asked for floor plans.”
Marketing: “You are a retail marketer. Create three headline options for a back-to-school campaign.”
General business: “You are an office manager. Make a checklist for onboarding a new staff member.”
In each case, the prompt sets the role, context, and task. The output is sharper, faster, and easier to use.
Building confidence
Prompting is not about being perfect on the first try. Think of it as a conversation. Try one version, review the result, then add more detail. Over time, you learn what works best for you.
Teams that practise this see the fastest growth in confidence. They spend less time fixing generic outputs and more time using results directly in their work.
Final word
Good prompting is simple. State the role, provide context, and give a clear task. Add small refinements like tone or length. Avoid vague requests and heavy jargon.
With practice, you will see better results in less time. Whether you work in leasing, marketing, or any other field, strong prompts turn AI from a novelty into a daily tool.
