The art of the perfect prompt
For executive assistants , AI is here to stay . Tech expert Tim Stackpool shares guidelines for creating the perfect AI prompt , because good results start with good instructions .
Remember the first time you had to train a new employee ? How carefully you chose your words , provided context , and set clear expectations ? Well , welcome to AI prompting – it ’ s surprisingly similar , only this time , the “ trainee ” is remarkably capable but takes everything literally . Very , very literally .
When PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) started hosting “ prompting parties ” for their staff , they weren ’ t celebrating punctuation . They were acknowledging a crucial truth : the way we ask AI for help directly impacts the quality of help we receive . So , it ’ s time to share the secrets of crafting the perfect prompt , along with some realworld examples .
Your new best friend After testing countless approaches , take a look at what ’ s called the CRAFT formula for foolproof prompting :
The CRAFT Formula
Context : Set the scene . Role : Define the AI ’ s perspective . Audience : Specify who it ’ s for . Format : State how you want it presented . Tone : Indicate the desired style .
Let ’ s see the CRAFT Formula in action with a typical real-world example . Imagine you need to draft a difficult email to a client about a missed deadline .
Bad prompt : “ Write an email about a late project .”
Better prompt using CRAFT : “ Context : We ’ re two weeks behind on delivering the Q1 report due to data verification issues . Role : Act as a senior account manager with 15 years of experience .
Audience : Writing to our biggest client ’ s CFO , who is generally understanding but needs detailed updates . Format : Professional email with clear next steps . Tone : Confident and solution-focused while showing appropriate concern .”
See the difference ? The first prompt might get you anything from a stern telling-off to a casual “ sorry we ’ re late !” The second prompt consistently delivers a professional , contextually appropriate response .
The psychology of prompting Dr Sarah Martinez ’ s 2023 study at Stanford University revealed that AI models perform 40 % better when given clear context and role definitions . “ It ’ s like giving someone a map instead of just a destination ,” she explains . “ The more context you provide , the more likely you are to reach your desired outcome .”
34 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2025