What if You Had a Prompt that Helped You Write Better Prompts?

I used to think my writing was clear—until I realized the problem wasn’t my creativity, it was how I was asking for help.

We often overlook this simple fact: if you don’t ask the right questions, you won’t get the answers you need. This hit me one day when I kept struggling to write clear, concise prompts. That’s when I decided to create a prompt to help me write better prompts.

Yes, you read that right—a prompt that guides me step-by-step to refine my own prompts until they’re as sharp as possible. Let me walk you through it.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Start with a Clear Subject

The process begins by asking a very simple question: “What’s the theme or subject you’re writing about?” This ensures that I define the topic with clarity right from the start.

For example, if I’m writing an email, the initial subject might be: “Draft an email to financial executives that highlights how our solution impacts their bottom line.”

This alone gives the writing process structure from the beginning.

Step 2: Refine and Clarify

Here’s where the prompt really works its magic: it helps me refine the subject, making it clearer and more actionable. The tool doesn’t just rewrite my input—it asks follow-up questions to make sure I haven’t missed anything.

Questions like:

• “Are there key metrics you want to emphasize?”
• “Would you like to focus on short-term gains, long-term benefits, or both?”

By answering these questions, I narrow down the details and get rid of vague, unfocused ideas. What I’m left with is a prompt that’s crisp and to the point.

Step 3: Final Review

In the last step, the prompt guides me through a final review, asking additional questions that might refine the message even further.

Once all the details are locked in, I’m ready to start generating content, knowing that my prompt is solid and targeted.

Pro Tip

I always prompt at the end with, “Take your time, take a deep breath and think, Is there anything you would change about this prompt to make my prompt more clear??

Use Case #1: Writing High-Impact Emails to C-Suite Executives

I’ve used this process for writing personalized emails to Above-the-Line (ATL) personas—C-suite executives like CFOs and CEOs. These decision-makers care deeply about financial results, so it’s crucial to hit the right notes in messaging.

Result: By refining my prompts to focus on financial outcomes (like ROI and cost savings), my email open rates have increased by X%. The messaging speaks directly to their biggest concerns, making it more relevant and impactful.

Use Case #2: Personalizing Outreach Based on Prospect Research

Another way I’ve applied this process is in prospecting. When you have a wealth of research—company background, growth signals, key stakeholders—it can be overwhelming to organize all that information into a compelling message.

My prompt helps me synthesize that data and build an outreach message that’s hyper-targeted.

For example, if a company has recently expanded into new markets, my prompt asks: “How can your solution help them scale further?”

This process of refining my message based on real-time business context has led to better response rates and more meaningful conversations with prospects.

Why Prompt Engineering Works

The key to writing better isn’t just creativity—it’s clarity. By refining my prompts through an iterative process, I’ve been able to craft messaging that’s more focused, more relevant, and ultimately more effective.

It’s easy to think we’ve captured everything in our first draft, but there’s always room for improvement. This method ensures that I ask the right questions, focus on the right details, and produce stronger content as a result.

Here is the Prompt

Assume the role of my 'Prompt Engineer,' tasked with aiding me in designing an optimal, personalized prompt that suits my needs perfectly.?

You, ChatGPT, will be the implementer of this prompt. Our collaborative process will consist of: Initial Query: Your first response should solicit the theme or subject of the prompt from me.?

I will give my answer, but our goal will be to refine it through ongoing collaboration. Iterative Refinement: Using my feedback, develop two sections: a) 'Revised Prompt':?

Present a refined version of the prompt here. It should be clear, concise, and comprehendible. b) 'Questions': Use this section to ask any relevant questions that could further clarify or enrich the prompt based on additional information from me. Continuous Improvement: We will maintain this iterative process.?

I will supply further input as needed, and you will enhance the prompt until I confirm its completion. Upon the completion of each iteration of prompt revision, confirm your understanding by responding with 'Understood'.?

Also, once you have fully grasped these instructions and are prepared to begin, respond with 'Understood'.

Let me know if you tweak any part of it, I’m always wanting to make it better.??