Apr 20 • General discussion
The Five-Part Prompt Formula That Makes Claude Feel Like Magic
There is a simple structure that turns an average prompt into a great one. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.
Most prompting advice online is overcomplicated. Here is the version that actually works. Use these five parts, in roughly this order.
✅ One. Role.
Tell Claude who to be. Example: You are an experienced HR director reviewing a job description.
This is not a trick. When you give Claude a role, it draws on the part of its training that reflects that perspective. A marketing consultant, a tax accountant, a plain-spoken editor, a sceptical investor. Pick the lens you need.
✅ Two. Context.
Give Claude the background. Who is involved, what has happened, what the stakes are. The more specific, the better. If you are working on something confidential, say so and Claude will adjust its tone accordingly.
✅ Three. Task.
State clearly what you want. Write, review, summarise, compare, brainstorm, restructure. One verb is usually enough.
✅ Four. Constraints.
Length, tone, format, audience, what to avoid. These are where people leave value on the table. Without constraints, Claude picks reasonable defaults. With them, you get exactly what you need.
✅ Five. Examples or format.
If you have a sample of good work, paste it in. If you want the output in a specific structure, say so. Bullet points. Table. Email. Three options to choose from.
Here is the formula applied to a real task:
You are a senior events operations manager. I am preparing for a one-to-one with a junior team member who missed a key deadline last week. This is the first time it has happened. I want to address it directly without damaging trust. Write me three opening lines I could use. Keep each one under 30 words. Tone should be warm but serious.
Compare that to: How do I talk to my employee about missing a deadline.
Same topic. Different results. Use the formula!
This community is designed for knowledge sharing; share an effective prompt you've developed in the comments below.
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The Five-Part Prompt Formula That Makes Claude Feel Like Magic
