Lead with the goal
Describe the task you need completed. A specific goal gives the agent a clearer starting point than a broad request such as “analyze this.”
Instead of “Review these notes,” try “Turn these notes into a handover checklist for the operations team.”
Add the context that matters
Include the intended audience, relevant source information, and constraints. State which details are confirmed and which still need to be checked.
You can use this structure:
Goal: What should this task accomplish?
Context: Which source information should be used?
Audience: Who will read or use the result?
Format: What should the output look like?
Constraints: What must be included or avoided?Specify the output
Ask for a format that helps you use the result: a short summary, a list of next steps, a comparison, or a draft document.
When details are missing, ask the agent to identify them rather than fill them in. For example: “Mark any missing owner or deadline as unknown.”
Iterate in the same conversation
Give focused feedback on the first result. Refer to a particular section or decision and explain the change you want.
For a walkthrough of the chat flow, see Start your first conversation.
Check before using the result
- Are the important facts supported by the information you supplied?
- Are assumptions clearly distinguished from confirmed details?
- Does the output fit the audience and format you requested?
- Is there anything that needs a person's review or approval?