Prompt Library

200+ Ready-to-Use Prompts — Copy, Paste, Customize

How to Use This Library

Every prompt below is ready to copy and paste. Replace the [bracketed text] with your specifics. Most prompts work with any AI tool — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, or local models.

Beginner? Start with the prompts marked 🟢. Intermediate? Try the ones marked 🟡. Advanced? Go for the ones marked 🔴.

Jump to: Writing · Research · Data · Productivity · Creative · Teaching · Career · Healthcare · Agriculture · Government · Business · Personal · Trades · GPTs · Verification

Before You Prompt: The 3 Questions

The BRIEFS framework (Module 4) gives you a structured way to design your first message. But if BRIEFS feels like too much, start with just three questions:

The 3 Questions (Simplified BRIEFS)
  1. What do I want? (Your intent — the single most important signal)
  2. Who am I? (Your background and expertise level)
  3. How will I use this? (What the output is for — the stakes)

That’s it. Answer those three before you type, and you’ll outperform 90% of AI users.

Example — The 3 Questions in action:

❌ Without: “Tell me about marketing.”

✅ With: “I’m a small bakery owner [who am I] and I want 5 ideas for increasing foot traffic during weekday afternoons [what do I want]. These need to be low-budget — under $200 each — because I’ll pick one to try this month [how will I use this].”

PART 1: WRITING AND COMMUNICATION

Emails

🟢 Quick Professional Email > Write a professional email to [recipient/role] about [topic]. Keep it under [100/150/200] words. Tone: [friendly but professional / formal / casual]. Include a clear ask with a specific deadline.

🟢 Email Reply > Draft a reply to this email. My situation: [brief context]. Tone: [grateful / firm / neutral / apologetic]. Keep it under [N] words. End with a clear next step. > > [Paste the email you’re replying to]

🟡 Difficult Conversation Email > I need to email [person/role] about [sensitive topic]. The relationship matters — I want to [maintain rapport / set a boundary / deliver bad news / ask for something uncomfortable]. Write a draft that: addresses the issue directly without being aggressive, acknowledges their perspective, proposes a specific path forward, and stays under 150 words.

🟡 Email Tone Adjustment > Rewrite this email in a [more formal / more casual / more diplomatic / more direct] tone. Preserve all factual content. Don’t add information I didn’t include. > > [Paste email]

🟢 Thank-You Email After Meeting > Write a brief thank-you email after meeting with [person/role] about [topic]. Mention one specific thing we discussed. Confirm the next step we agreed on. Under 80 words. Tone: genuine, not formulaic.

🟢 Scheduling Email > Write an email to [person] proposing a meeting about [topic]. Suggest 3 time slots. Mention it should take about [duration]. Include what we’ll cover so they can prepare. Under 100 words.

Write an email to a patient’s family explaining that [procedure/appointment] has been [rescheduled/changed]. Include: the new date/time, what they need to bring, who to contact with questions. Tone: warm, clear, reassuring. Under 120 words.

Write an email to parents of [grade level] students about [topic — field trip / policy change / upcoming event]. Include: key dates, what parents need to do, who to contact. Tone: friendly and informative. Under 150 words.

Write a follow-up email to a client after our meeting about [project]. Summarize: the 3 main decisions we made, the next steps with owners and deadlines, and the date of our next check-in. Tone: professional but personable. Under 200 words.

Write a public notice email about [policy change / service update / deadline]. Must be: clear to a general audience (no jargon), include all relevant dates and action items, provide contact info for questions. Under 200 words. 8th grade reading level.

Write an email to our seasonal crew leads about [harvest schedule change / safety protocol update / equipment maintenance]. Include: what changed and why, what they need to do differently starting [date], and who to contact with questions. Keep it direct — these are busy people in the field. Under 100 words.

Reports and Documents

🟢 First Draft from Notes > I have these rough notes from [meeting / research / observation]. Turn them into a structured [report / summary / memo] with: an executive summary (under 100 words), 3-5 key findings, and recommended next steps. Audience: [who will read this]. Tone: [formal / conversational / technical]. > > [Paste notes]

🟡 The Critic — Review My Draft > You are my critical peer reviewer. Do NOT rewrite my text. Diagnose and explain. Evaluate my draft on: (1) clarity and structure, (2) strength of argument, (3) evidence quality, (4) tone match for [audience], (5) any gaps or weak points. For each: give a 2-sentence diagnosis and one high-impact fix. At the end, list 3 things I should add or change. Do not fabricate sources. > > [Paste your draft]

🟡 Executive Summary Generator > Write a 120-word executive summary of this [report / document / proposal]. It must stand alone — someone who reads ONLY the summary should understand: the purpose, the key findings, and the recommended action. No jargon. > > [Paste document]

🟢 Meeting Notes Cleanup > I took these messy notes during a meeting. Clean them up into organized meeting minutes: attendees, key discussion points, decisions made, action items with owners and deadlines. Don’t add anything I didn’t mention — just organize what’s here. > > [Paste notes]

🔴 Document Comparison > Compare these two [policies / proposals / drafts]. For each major difference: describe what changed, assess which version is stronger and why, and flag anything that conflicts or creates ambiguity. Present as a table: Topic, Version A, Version B, Assessment. > > [Paste both documents]

Editing and Proofreading

🟢 Grammar and Clarity Check > Check this text for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. Fix errors and suggest rewording for any sentence that’s confusing. Don’t change my voice or style — just clean it up. > > [Paste text]

🟡 Simplify Complex Writing > Rewrite this at a [6th grade / 8th grade / general audience] reading level. Keep all the important information. Replace jargon with plain language. Shorten sentences over 25 words. Don’t lose accuracy. > > [Paste text]

🟡 Audience Adaptation > Rewrite this content for [specific audience]. Current version is written for [current audience]. The new audience needs: [different tone / less jargon / more detail / simpler language / more formality]. Keep all facts the same. > > [Paste text]

🟡 Bilingual Content Check > I need this message in both English and Spanish. Translate the English version to Spanish that sounds natural — not stiff or Google-Translate-ish. This is going to [audience — parents / patients / community members / employees]. Regional context: Central Valley, California. After translating, flag any cultural nuances I should adjust. > > [Paste English text]

PART 2: RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

🟢 Topic Overview > Give me a beginner-friendly overview of [topic]. Cover: what it is, why it matters, the 3 most important things to know, and one common misconception. Keep it under 300 words. No jargon — explain any technical terms you use.

🟢 Source Finder > I’m researching [topic] for [purpose]. Suggest 5 specific types of sources I should look for, and for each one, tell me WHERE to search (specific databases, websites, organizations — not just “Google it”). My audience is [who]. I need [academic / practical / news-based] sources.

🟡 Analyze This Data > I have this data: [paste data or describe it]. I need to understand: (1) what patterns or trends are present, (2) what’s surprising or unexpected, (3) what questions I should ask next. I’m [your role] and this is for [purpose]. Explain findings in plain language.

🟡 Literature Review Helper > I’m reviewing research on [topic] for [purpose]. I’ve found these studies: [list what you have]. Help me: (1) organize them by theme, (2) identify what they agree on, (3) spot gaps or contradictions, (4) suggest what kinds of studies I’m still missing. Don’t fabricate any citations.

🔴 Counterargument Generator > I’m arguing that [your position]. Steel-man the opposition. Give me the 3 strongest counterarguments a smart, well-informed critic would make. For each: state it clearly, explain why it’s compelling, and suggest how I should address it. Be genuinely challenging.

🟢 Summarize This for My Boss > Summarize this [article / report / document] in 3-5 bullet points for someone who has 2 minutes and no background in [field]. Each bullet: one key takeaway in plain language. End with: “The one thing to remember is…” > > [Paste content]

I’m a [nurse / PA / health educator] researching [clinical topic]. I need a summary of current evidence-based guidelines for [specific condition/treatment]. Include: the recommending body (AHA, CDC, WHO, etc.), key recommendations, and any recent changes. Flag anything where guidelines disagree. Don’t make up citations — tell me where to verify.

I’m a [teacher / administrator] evaluating whether to adopt [program / strategy / technology]. Help me build a research summary: what does the evidence say about effectiveness? What student populations has it been tested with? What are common implementation challenges? What would a fair pilot look like at my school?

I run a [type of business] and I’m considering [strategic decision]. Help me think through: market size and trends, 3 comparable businesses that have done this (tell me who to look up), the key risks, and what data I’d need to make a confident decision.

I manage [crop/livestock] in the [San Joaquin Valley / Central Valley]. I’m dealing with [specific issue — pest pressure / water allocation / soil salinity / labor costs]. What are the most recent research-backed approaches? Point me to UC Davis / UC ANR / USDA resources. Don’t give me generic advice — I need specifics for my climate zone and crop.

I’m a [role] at [agency/department] researching [policy topic]. I need: (1) what comparable jurisdictions have done, (2) what the evidence says about outcomes, (3) the main arguments for and against, (4) implementation considerations specific to [your region]. This will go in a briefing for [audience].

PART 3: DATA AND NUMBERS

🟢 Explain This Chart > Look at this [chart / graph / table] and explain what it shows in plain language. What’s the main takeaway? What trends are visible? Is anything surprising? Explain it to someone who doesn’t read charts often. > > [Upload or describe the chart]

🟡 Data Cleaning Helper > I have a spreadsheet with [describe the data]. The problems are: [missing values / inconsistent formatting / duplicates / messy columns / mixed data types]. Walk me through a step-by-step plan to clean it. I’m using [Excel / Google Sheets / R / Python]. Give me the specific formulas or code.

🟢 Spreadsheet Formula Helper > I have a spreadsheet in [Excel / Google Sheets] with [describe your data]. I need a formula that [what you want it to do]. The data is in columns [which columns] and I want the result in [where]. Give me the formula and explain what each part does.

🟡 Survey Design > I need a survey about [topic] for [audience]. Purpose: [what decisions will this data inform]. Design: [N] questions, mix of [rating scales / multiple choice / open-ended]. Keep it under [time] minutes. Avoid: leading questions, double-barreled questions, and jargon.

🔴 Statistical Test Chooser > I have [describe your data — sample size, variables, what you’re comparing]. My research question is: [state it]. What statistical test should I use? Explain why, what assumptions to check, and how to interpret the result. I’m using [R / SPSS / Excel / Python]. Give me the code or steps.

I’m reviewing my [department / business / household] budget for [time period]. Here’s the data: [paste or describe]. Help me identify: the top 3 spending categories, any trends, items that seem unusual, and where I have room to cut or reallocate.

Here’s my [monthly / quarterly] sales data: [paste]. I need to understand: which products/services drive the most revenue, whether there’s seasonality, which customers/segments are growing vs declining, and a realistic forecast for next [period].

I have [county / state] health data on [topic — vaccination rates / chronic disease / ER visits]. Help me: identify disparities across [demographics / zip codes / communities], spot trends over [time period], compare to state/national benchmarks, and suggest what to investigate next.

Here are my students’ scores on [assessment]: [paste data]. Help me understand: the distribution, which questions students struggled with most, whether there are performance gaps across [sections / demographics], and what I should reteach.

PART 4: PRODUCTIVITY AND WORKFLOW

🟢 Meeting Agenda Builder > Build a [30/45/60]-minute meeting agenda for [topic]. Attendees: [who]. Goals: [what we need to decide]. Include: time allocations, a clear owner for each item, one decision to make, and 5 minutes at the end for action items.

🟢 To-Do List Prioritizer > Here’s everything on my plate: [dump your full list]. Help me: categorize by urgency and importance, identify what I should do TODAY (max 3), what can wait until this week, what I should delegate or drop, and what I’m forgetting. I have about [N] hours of work time today.

🟡 Weekly Planning Session > It’s [day]. Here’s what I need to accomplish this week: [list everything]. My constraints: [meetings, deadlines, commitments]. Help me build a realistic day-by-day plan. Flag anything that won’t fit.

🟡 Process Documentation > I need to document the process for [task that you do regularly]. Write step-by-step instructions that a new person could follow without asking questions. Include: prerequisites, each step in order, common mistakes, and who to ask if something goes wrong.

🟢 Decision Matrix > I’m choosing between [Option A], [Option B], and [Option C] for [decision]. The factors that matter most: [list 4-6 criteria]. Score each on each factor (1-5), weight by importance, and give me a recommendation with reasoning.

It’s [day] and I teach [subjects/grades]. Here’s my week: [list classes, meetings, deadlines]. I need to: grade [N] assignments, prep for [lesson], contact [N] parents, submit [report] by [date], and plan next week. Build me a realistic schedule. I arrive at [time], leave at [time], and have a prep period from [time to time].

I’m a [role] doing [shift type]. I need to: chart on [N] patients, follow up on [N] lab results, do [N] patient education sessions, and complete [mandatory training] by Friday. Prioritize by patient care first. Help me batch documentation so I’m not staying late.

It’s [season] and I’m managing [operation size and type]. Right now I need to: [list everything — irrigation, spraying, equipment, crew, regulatory]. Weather this week: [forecast]. Help me prioritize by what’s time-sensitive. I have [N] crew members and [equipment constraints].

I run [business type] with [N] employees. This week: [dump everything]. Revenue goal: [X]. Help me build a weekly plan that balances customer-facing work, back-office tasks, and the one strategic thing I keep putting off: [what is it].

PART 5: CREATIVE AND MARKETING

🟢 Idea Generator > I need ideas for [what]. Context: [situation]. Generate 10 diverse ideas — push beyond the obvious. For each: one-sentence description and difficulty (easy / medium / hard). Don’t filter for feasibility — I want range.

🟡 The Brand Sprint (from Module 6) > Act as a brand strategist. Interview me about: target customer, value proposition, tone, 3 brand adjectives, competitor set, promise, constraints. Then produce: positioning statement, tagline with 3 variants, 3-color palette with hex codes, font pairing, and 3 logo concept directions.

🟡 Social Media Content > I run a [type of business/organization] targeting [audience]. Generate 5 [platform] posts. Each: a hook (first line that stops the scroll), body under [N] words, 3 hashtags, and a call to action. Tone: [professional / playful / informative / urgent].

🟢 Product/Service Description > Write a description for [product/service]. Target customer: [who]. Where it’ll appear: [website / flyer / menu / social media]. Highlight: [2-3 key benefits]. Avoid: [hype words / jargon / false claims]. Under [N] words.

🟡 Event Promotion > Write promotional copy for [event] on [date] at [location]. Audience: [who]. I need versions for: (1) email invite (150 words), (2) social media post (50 words), (3) flyer text (75 words).

🔴 Content Repurposing > I have this [blog post / report / presentation]. Repurpose into: (1) LinkedIn post (200 words), (2) 3 tweets/X posts, (3) email newsletter paragraph, (4) 5 discussion questions. Keep the core message consistent. > > [Paste original]

Write a menu description for [dish]. Ingredients: [main ones]. What makes it special: [technique / origin / sourcing]. Audience: [casual diners / foodies / families]. Under 30 words. Delicious without being pretentious.

I own a [store/salon/shop] and I want to run a [promotion]. Target: [customer type]. Write: (1) window sign (under 15 words), (2) Instagram caption (under 80 words), (3) email to existing customers (under 120 words).

Write a property listing for [type]. Key features: [beds, baths, sqft, lot, special features]. Neighborhood: [what’s nearby]. Target buyer: [first-time / family / investor]. Under 200 words. Highlight the lifestyle, not just specs.

Write a fundraising appeal for [organization/cause]. We need [amount] for [specific project]. Impact: [what the money does — be concrete]. Audience: [donors / prospects / community]. Tone: hopeful, not guilt-tripping. Under 200 words.

PART 6: TEACHING AND LEARNING

🟢 Explain Like I’m… > Explain [concept] to [audience — a 10-year-old / a freshman / a CEO / my grandmother]. Use one analogy, no jargon, and check my understanding with 2 questions at the end.

🟡 Assessment Builder > Create a [quiz / exam / worksheet] on [topic] for [audience level]. Include: [N] multiple choice, [N] short answer, [N] application problems. For each: correct answer and explanation. Align to: [learning objectives].

🟡 The SMARTS Tutor (from Module 4) > Adopt the persona of a supportive tutor. Restate questions to confirm understanding. Ask what I already know. Offer hints before answers. If I ask for the full solution, encourage step-by-step reasoning first. Keep responses brief. Summarize what I learned when we finish. Wait for my question.

🟡 Lesson Plan Builder > Design a [30/45/60/90]-minute lesson on [topic] for [grade level / audience]. Include: learning objectives, hook (5 min), direct instruction (15 min), guided practice (15 min), independent practice (10 min), closing (5 min). One differentiation strategy and one extension.

🟢 Study Guide Generator > I have an exam on [subject] covering [topics]. Create a study guide: key terms with definitions, the 5 most important concepts, 3 practice problems with solutions, and common student mistakes.

🔴 Rubric Generator > Create an assessment rubric for [assignment type]. 4-5 dimensions. For each: performance at 4 levels (Excellent, Proficient, Developing, Not Yet). Use specific, observable criteria — not vague language.

🟡 Discussion Question Builder > I’m teaching [topic] to [audience]. Create 5 discussion questions from recall to analysis to application. For each: the question, cognitive level, and one follow-up probe for surface-level answers.

🟢 Parent Conference Prep > Meeting with parents of a student who [situation]. Prepare: 3 data points to share, 2 positive observations to lead with, the main concern framed constructively, 2 actionable next steps, and 2 questions to ask the parents.

Create a [15/20/30]-minute activity for [grade] learning [topic]. Must include: manipulatives or movement, a visual component, and a formative check. I have 25 students and one adult.

Design a project-based learning activity on [topic] for [grade]. Takes [N] class periods. Must connect to their lives. Include: driving question, deliverable, rubric criteria, and one tech integration.

Design a flipped classroom session on [topic] for [audience]. Include: what students do BEFORE class (20 min), IN class (50 min — active learning, not lecture), and AFTER (15 min).

Design a [30/60/90]-minute training on [topic] for [audience]. Don’t make it feel like school. Include: relevant opening hook, one concept delivered through activity (not slides), practice round, and a clear takeaway for Monday morning.

PART 7: CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

🟢 Resume Bullet Writer > Write 3 resume bullet points for [job/role]. Each: start with action verb, quantify impact, connect to [target role]. My accomplishments: [list them].

🟢 LinkedIn About Section > Write a LinkedIn About for me. I’m a [role/major] in [field] with experience in [areas]. Goal: [career objective]. Professional but personable. Under 200 words. Call to action at the end.

🟡 Interview Prep > Interviewing for [role] at [company type]. Generate: 5 behavioral questions, 3 technical questions, 2 questions I should ask THEM. For each behavioral: suggest a STAR answer outline.

🟡 Salary Negotiation Prep > Offered [role] at [salary]. Want to negotiate to [target]. Help me: (1) what market data to look up, (2) 3 value-based talking points, (3) how to frame the ask, (4) what to say if they say no.

🟢 Cover Letter Draft > Cover letter for [job title] at [company]. My background: [2-3 sentences]. Why this role: [what excites you]. Why me: [2-3 qualifications]. Under 250 words. Not generic — show I researched this company.

🟡 Career Pivot Plan > Currently [current role], want to transition to [target role]. Transferable skills: [list]. Gaps: [what I’m missing]. Build a 90-day plan: what to learn (free resources), what to build (portfolio), who to connect with, how to position my background as a strength.

I’m the first in my family to go to college. Majoring in [field] at [school], graduating [when]. I don’t have parents who’ve navigated this. Help me with: (1) what networking actually means and how to start with zero connections, (2) where to find internships in [field] in [region], (3) the 5 things I need to do THIS month.

I’m [age range], been a [current role] for [N] years. Want to move into [new field]. Can’t go back to school full-time. Give me a realistic plan: what credentials matter (and which waste money), how to get experience without starting at entry level, and how to tell my story strategically.

Transitioning out of [branch] after [N] years. MOS/rate: [job code/title]. Translate my military experience for civilian employers. Write 5 resume bullets converting [military tasks] to business language. Emphasize leadership, operations, accountability.

I’m a [licensed trade] with [N] years experience. I want to [start business / move into management / teach]. What’s the realistic path? What certifications do I need? Timeline and cost? I’m in [state/region].

PART 8: HEALTHCARE

🟢 Patient Education Handout > Create a one-page patient handout about [condition/procedure/medication]. 6th grade reading level. No jargon or define it clearly. Include: what it is, what to do, what to watch for, when to call the doctor. Placeholder for clinic phone number.

🟡 Shift Report Organizer > Help me organize a shift report handing off [N] patients. Template for each: room number, primary diagnosis, key overnight events, pending labs/orders, and one thing the next nurse needs to know.

🟡 Nursing Care Plan > Draft a care plan for [diagnosis]. Include: 3 priority nursing diagnoses (NANDA), expected outcomes, 3 evidence-based interventions each with rationales. I’m a [student / new grad / experienced] RN.

🟡 SBAR Communication > Help me prepare an SBAR for calling the provider. My observations: [dump what you know]. Organize into: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. Keep it concise.

🟡 Health Education Presentation > Presenting to [audience] about [health topic]. Duration: [N] minutes. Outline: attention-getting opening stat, 3 key messages, one interactive element, clear call to action. Use data from [CDC / WHO / AHA]. Keep it accessible.

PART 9: AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

🟢 Pest/Disease ID Helper > Seeing [describe symptoms] on [crop] in [region]. Started [when], affects [how much]. Recent weather: [conditions]. Give me 3 most likely causes with diagnostic steps. Point me to UC IPM or extension resources.

🟡 Irrigation Planning > I manage [N] acres of [crop] in [region] with [irrigation type]. Water allocation: [amount/restrictions]. Help me build a weekly irrigation schedule maximizing yield under constraints. Include estimated water use and deficit strategies.

🟡 Regulatory Checklist > I’m a [grower / ranch / dairy] in [county, state]. I need to be current on: [select areas]. Build me a checklist: what’s due this [quarter/season], who it goes to, where to find forms.

🟢 Equipment Cost-Benefit > Deciding whether to buy [equipment] or continue [alternative]. My operation: [size, crop, frequency]. Build a [3/5/7]-year cost comparison including: purchase, financing, maintenance, fuel, depreciation, and the alternative cost. Break-even point?

🟡 Grant Application Helper > Applying for [grant name] for [operation type]. Need help with the narrative. My project: [describe]. Structure it: problem, proposed solution, expected outcomes with measurable targets, qualifications. Under [word limit].

🟢 Crop Budget Builder > Build a per-acre cost estimate for [crop] in [region]. Include: land, seed, fertilizer, pest management, irrigation, labor, harvest, overhead. Table format with total cost per acre and break-even yield at [price per unit].

PART 10: GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE

🟢 Public Communication > Write a [press release / community update / social media post] about [topic] for [agency]. Audience: general public. Jargon-free, under [N] words. Include: what happened, why it matters, what residents should do, contact info.

🟡 Staff Report / Board Item > Draft a staff report for [board/commission] on [topic]. Include: background, current situation, options analysis, staff recommendation with justification, fiscal impact, next steps. Board members are NOT subject-matter experts. Under [N] pages.

🟡 Grant Narrative > Writing a [federal / state / foundation] grant for [project]. Funder: [name]. Max: [word count]. Help me structure a compelling narrative addressing scoring criteria: [list them if known]. Data I have: [what evidence]. Don’t fabricate statistics.

🟢 Community Meeting Prep > Hosting a community meeting about [contentious topic]. Expected: [N] residents, mixed opinions. Help me: build a 90-minute agenda, prepare 3 key messages, anticipate top 5 questions with responses, create productive ground rules.

🟡 Policy Brief > Write a 2-page policy brief on [issue] for [audience]. Structure: Executive Summary, Background, Current Status, 3 Policy Options with pros/cons, Recommendation, References (point me to real sources). Nonpartisan tone.

PART 11: SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

🟢 Business Plan Quick Draft > Starting a business in [location]. Target customers: [who]. Investment: [amount]. Write a lean plan: the opportunity (3 sentences), target customer, marketing approach, startup costs, revenue model. Under 2 pages. For [my planning / a loan / a pitch].

🟡 Pricing Strategy > I sell [product/service] to [customer type]. Current price: [amount]. Competitor prices: [if known]. My costs: [fixed and variable]. Am I priced right? Build 3 scenarios (budget / market / premium) with projected revenue. I’m in [location] — not San Francisco.

🟢 Customer Review Response > Respond to this review. Star rating: [N]. Complaint: [summarize]. I want to: [apologize / explain / resolve / clarify]. Professional, empathetic, human — not corporate-scripted. Under 100 words. For [Yelp / Google / Facebook].

🟡 Competitive Analysis > I run [business type] in [location]. Top 3 competitors: [name/describe them]. Analyze: what they do well, weaknesses, pricing, marketing, and my differentiation opportunity. Comparison table plus “your edge” summary.

🟡 Cash Flow Forecast > Build a 6-month cash flow projection. Monthly revenue: [amount]. Fixed costs: [list]. Variable costs: [list]. Upcoming expenses: [list]. Show: when I’ll be tight, cash reserve needed, and whether I can afford [planned expenditure] in month [N].

🟡 Hiring First Employee > I run business solo and I’m hiring my first employee for [role]. I’m in [state]. Walk me through: (1) legal prerequisites (EIN, workers comp, etc.), (2) where to post, (3) job description template, (4) offer letter basics, (5) onboarding. I’ve never done this.

PART 12: PERSONAL AND LIFE MANAGEMENT

🟢 Financial Decision Helper > Deciding whether to [financial decision]. My situation: [income, debt, savings, dependents, goals]. Walk me through the key factors. Don’t tell me what to do — help me think systematically. What info do I need before deciding?

🟢 Letter or Speech Writer > Write a [toast / eulogy / thank-you / recommendation / letter] for [occasion]. About: [person, relationship]. Key stories/qualities: [2-3]. Tone: [heartfelt / funny / formal / casual]. Length: [N] minutes / [N] words.

🟢 Difficult Conversation Script > I need to talk to [person/relationship] about [topic]. I want to: [set a boundary / ask for something / address a problem]. Help me plan: how to open, what to say, what NOT to say, how to respond if they get [defensive / emotional / dismissive]. Keep it real — not therapy-speak.

🟡 Travel Planning > Planning a [length] trip to [destination] in [month]. Budget: [amount]. Travelers: [who]. Priorities: [food / culture / adventure / relaxation / budget]. Build a day-by-day itinerary with activities, costs, logistics, and one thing tourists miss.

🟢 Complaint Letter > Formal complaint to [company/agency] about [issue]. What happened: [describe]. What I’ve tried: [list]. What I want: [resolution]. Firm and factual, not angry. Include dates, reference numbers, deadline for response. Under 250 words.

PART 13: TRADES, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

🟢 Estimate Builder > Build a customer estimate for [job type]. Scope: [describe]. Materials: [list what you know]. Labor: [rate / crew / hours]. Professional format with line items, material costs (I’ll fill in prices), labor, total. Notes section for warranty and payment terms.

🟡 Troubleshooting Guide > Diagnosing [problem] in [system]. Symptoms: [describe]. Checked so far: [list]. Walk me through systematic diagnosis — most likely to least likely. For each: what to check, what tool I need, what the fix is.

🟢 Safety Toolbox Talk > 10-minute safety talk for my crew on [topic]. Practical, not generic OSHA slides. Include: one real incident example, the 3 most important rules, one thing to check before starting today, and a question for the crew. Conversational — these are journeymen.

🟡 Code Compliance Checklist > Doing a [project type] in [jurisdiction]. Build a checklist of [building / electrical / plumbing] code requirements. [Residential / commercial / existing / new construction]. Include: permit requirements, inspection points, common violations.

🟢 Customer Communication > Draft a text/email to a customer about [situation — delay / additional damage / scope change / job complete]. Honest about [the issue]. Include: what happened, impact (cost/time), recommendation, next steps. Under 100 words. Build trust, not upsell.

PART 14: CUSTOM GPT AND AI TOOL DESIGN

Note: “Custom GPTs” refers to OpenAI’s implementation. Other providers offer similar features under different names (Claude Projects, Google Gems, etc.). The system prompt patterns below work across platforms.

🟡 The Universal Tutor > You are a [subject] tutor for [level]. Knowledge base: uploaded files. Rules: restate questions, ask what they know, hints before answers, encourage step-by-step reasoning, summarize what was learned, stay within uploaded materials, say so if you can’t answer.

🟡 The FAQ Bot > You are an assistant for [org/dept]. Answer using ONLY uploaded documents. Concise (2-3 sentences). Reference which document. If not in documents: “I don’t have that. Contact [person/email].” Never fabricate. Tone: [friendly / formal].

🔴 The Workflow Assistant > You are a [role] assistant for [task type]. When given a task: (1) confirm and ask 1-2 clarifying questions, (2) propose steps, (3) execute showing work, (4) confirm before proceeding, (5) summarize at the end. Never: [prohibited actions].

PART 15: VERIFICATION AND CRITICAL THINKING

🟢 Fact-Check This Output > Fact-check this AI output: identify suspicious claims, unverifiable statistics, possibly fabricated citations, and logical gaps. For each: tell me what to search to verify. > > [Paste AI output]

🟡 Challenge My Thinking > I believe [your position]. Present the 3 strongest counterarguments. For each: state the argument, explain why it’s compelling, and what evidence would change your mind. Be genuinely challenging.

🟡 Identify What’s Missing > Review this [plan / proposal / analysis]. What am I NOT considering? Risks? Missing audiences? What data would strengthen or weaken my conclusions? Perspective of a skeptical but fair reviewer.

🟢 Red Team My Plan > Here’s my plan for [what]. Try to make it fail. What goes wrong? What did I underestimate? What blindsides me? 5 failure scenarios ranked by likelihood, with one mitigation each.

🟡 AI Disclosure Statement > Write a disclosure about how I used AI in [context]. AI was used for: [list]. Human contribution: [list]. Audience: [who]. Under 100 words. Honest and specific.

PART 16: CAPSTONE PROJECT PROMPTS

🟡 Capstone Scoping > I’m planning my AI literacy capstone project. My field is [field] and my role is [role/student status]. I’m choosing Option [A/B/C/D]. Help me narrow my scope: I need a project that can be completed in 10-15 hours, tested with real users, and produces a tangible deliverable. My initial idea is [describe]. Is this too broad? Help me narrow it to one specific, testable problem.

🟡 Integration Plan Helper > I want to bring AI into [specific workflow] at [organization type]. Currently this process takes [time] and involves [describe steps]. Help me design an AI-augmented version: which steps could AI handle, what tools would I use, what’s the human review checkpoint, and what could go wrong? Frame this as a proposal I could present to my manager.

🟡 Custom GPT Design > I’m building a custom GPT for [purpose] targeting [audience]. The knowledge base will include [list documents]. Help me write system instructions that: (1) define the GPT’s role clearly, (2) set boundaries on what it won’t do, (3) include the ELEVATE 7-step tutoring algorithm if appropriate, and (4) handle edge cases. Give me 5 test prompts to evaluate it.

🟡 Workshop Planning > I’m designing a [duration] AI workshop for [audience — who they are, how many, their tech comfort level]. The goal is [what participants should be able to do after]. Help me build: an agenda with time allocations, 3 key messages, one hands-on activity, and a pre/post survey question. The biggest risk is [what could go wrong].

🟡 Capstone Reflection > I just completed my capstone project: [brief description]. Help me write an honest reflection addressing: (1) what I planned vs what actually happened, (2) the most surprising finding, (3) what failed and what I learned from the failure, (4) how I applied BRIEFS and SMARTS, (5) what I would do differently, and (6) how this project changed my thinking about AI. Push me to be specific — no generic “I learned a lot” allowed.

❌ Prompt Anti-Patterns: Don’t Do This

These are the most common prompting mistakes. If you’re getting bad results, you’re probably doing one of these:

Anti-Pattern Why It Fails Fix
“Tell me about X” No intent, no context, no constraints. AI gives a Wikipedia summary. Add who you are, what you need it for, and how you’ll use it (The 3 Questions).
“Write me an essay” No audience, no length, no purpose. Gets generic 5-paragraph template. Specify: topic, audience, purpose, length, tone, and what it’s for.
Pasting 2,000 words then asking “What do you think?” The question is too vague. AI doesn’t know what dimension to evaluate. Ask specific questions: “Is the argument in paragraph 3 convincing? Why or why not?”
“Make it better” Better how? More concise? More formal? More persuasive? AI guesses. Say exactly what “better” means: “Make it shorter, more direct, and cut the jargon.”
Asking for the answer instead of help thinking You get the answer but don’t learn. On the exam, you’re stuck. Use SMARTS: “Give me a hint, not the answer. What concept should I apply here?”
Trusting the first response First drafts are drafts. AI defaults to safe, generic output. Always iterate: “Good start. Now make it [specific adjustment].”
“Act as an expert in everything” Jack of all trades = master of none. Responses stay surface-level. Give a specific role: “You are a pediatric nurse educator” not “you are an expert.”
Entering sensitive data into free-tier tools Student records, patient data, financial info — potentially exposed. Check your tool’s data policy. Use enterprise tiers or local models for sensitive work.

Quick Reference: Prompt Patterns

Pattern When to Use Template
Role + Task Domain expertise “You are a [role]. [Task].”
Step-by-Step Accuracy matters “[Task]. Think step by step.”
Examples First Specific format “Here are examples: [X]. Now do: [Y].”
Constraint Setting Need boundaries “[Task]. Do NOT [avoid]. Under [limit].”
Format Spec Structured output “[Task]. Format as [table / bullets / JSON].”
Iterate First output needs work “Good start. Make it [adjustment]. Keep [what worked].”
Meta-Prompt You’re stuck “I want to [goal]. What info do you need from me?”
Challenge Mode Honest feedback “Don’t be polite. What’s wrong with this?”
Audience Shift Repurposing “Rewrite for [new audience]. Keep facts, change tone.”
Compare + Recommend Decisions “Compare [A] vs [B] on [criteria]. Recommend for [my case].”

This library is a living document. The best prompt library is the one you built yourself — from prompts tested on YOUR real tasks.

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