Master the Conversation.
All 49 prompts from Appendix B, the 8 net-new templates named in Chapter 3, and ten of the most useful worked examples from the chapter narratives. Replace anything in [brackets] with your specific details. All built on the PIE framework from Chapter 3, adjust them freely.
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The 5-Part Formula
This lives inside the P of PIE. Combine these five elements to set the AI up to succeed before it types a word. You won't need all five every time, but knowing all five gives you a complete toolkit.
ROLE
Who should the AI pretend to be? ("You're a nutritionist specializing in heart-healthy diets")
CONTEXT
What does the AI need to know about your situation? (If a human expert would need it, so does the AI)
TASK
What exactly do you want done? (Start with a verb: Write, Summarize, Compare, Create)
FORMAT
How should the answer be structured? ("In a table," "as a step-by-step guide," "under 200 words")
CONSTRAINTS
What should the AI avoid or limit? (The guardrails: length, tone, excluded topics)
Example: Role + Context + Task + Format + Constraints
"You're a marketing consultant who specializes in small, local service businesses. I own a landscaping company in suburban Maryland with 12 employees and about 40 regular residential clients. Growth has stalled. Create a 90-day marketing plan to get 10 new residential clients. Present it as a week-by-week action plan I can do myself. Keep the budget under $500, and don't suggest anything that requires video editing or graphic design."
Browse the Library
Showing 67 of 67 prompts. We add reader-submitted prompts over time.
The Family Meal Planner
Plan a week of dinners that fit your budget and family preferences
You're a nutritionist who specializes in budget-conscious family meal planning. I'm planning dinners for a family of [number]. Here's who we are: [describe each person]. Budget: $[amount] per week. Give me a week of dinners with a combined grocery list organized by store section.
The Pantry Clean Out
Create meals using what you already have at home
Here's what I currently have in my fridge and pantry: [list items]. I need to make [number] meals from what I already have, only buying up to $[amount] of additional groceries. Give me recipes that use what's on hand first.
The Travel Planner
Build a day-by-day itinerary within your budget
You're a travel agent specializing in family vacations. Plan a 5-day trip to [destination] for two adults and [X] kids ages [ages]. Budget is [amount] not including flights. Present as day-by-day itinerary with estimated costs.
The Decluttering Project Manager
Organize a room or space with a phased plan
I have a [space] that's about [size]. It's full of [describe contents]. Give me a phased decluttering plan with timelines, a decision tree for keep/sell/donate/trash, and storage solution recommendations.
The Lab Results Translator
Understand your medical test results in plain language
Here are my lab results: [paste values, remove name and identifying info]. Explain what each number means in plain English. Are any outside the normal range? Give me 5 questions to ask my doctor.
The Gift Finder
Generate creative gift ideas for someone specific
I need a gift for [person]. They're [age], they love [interests], they hate [things to avoid], and my budget is [amount]. Give me 10 ideas ranging from practical to creative.
The Explainer
Understand complex topics in plain language
Explain [complex topic] to me like I'm a smart adult who knows nothing about this subject. Use everyday analogies. Don't use jargon. Keep it under 300 words.
The Fitness Routine Builder
Create a personalized, progressive fitness plan
I want to build a fitness routine. I'm [age], [fitness level], with [injuries/limitations]. I can work out [frequency] for [duration]. Goals: [describe]. Create a routine that's safe and progressively challenging.
The Medical Bill Decoder
From Chapter 4. Understand a confusing medical bill line by line
Explain this medical bill line by line. What does each charge mean? Why are they charging separately for [services on the bill]? What's the insurance write-off? And why is my copay $[amount] when the write-off is $[amount]? [Paste bill, names and identifiers removed.]
The Insurance Plan Comparison
From Chapter 4. Pick the right health plan for your actual usage
Here are [number] insurance plans. Create a comparison table showing deductible, copay amounts, out-of-pocket maximum, provider network size, and estimated annual cost for my family. Then explain which factors matter most for someone who [usual usage pattern: e.g. usually has 2-3 doctor visits per year, takes one regular medication, rarely needs specialist care].
The Email Drafter
Write clear, professional emails with the right tone
Write a [tone] email to [recipient] about [topic]. Include [specific points]. Keep it under [word count]. End with [call to action].
The Tricky Reply
Handle difficult email situations gracefully
I need to write an email to [person/role] about [situation]. Here's what happened: [backstory]. I want the email to [list goals]. Tone: [style]. Keep under [word count].
The Thread Summarizer
Extract the key points from long email conversations
I was CCed on this email thread with [number] messages. Summarize: what happened, what was decided, and what I need to do. Keep to 5 bullet points.
The Agenda Builder
Create a structured agenda for productive meetings
I'm meeting with [who] for [duration] about [topic]. We need to [list objectives]. Generate a detailed agenda with timeboxes. Include a parking lot for off-topic items.
The Transcript Processor
Turn meeting notes into action items and follow-ups
Here's a transcript of our meeting about [topic]. Give me: key decisions made, action items with owners and deadlines, unresolved items, and a follow-up email I can send.
The Competitive Analysis
Research competitors and identify market opportunities
You're a market research analyst in [industry]. Analyze [companies]. For each: key products, target market, pricing, recent moves, and vulnerabilities. Present as comparison table.
The Report Generator
Create professional reports from raw data
Here are our [time period] metrics: [data]. Write a report for [audience]. Include: executive summary, performance, comparison to previous period, key wins, and recommendations.
The Meeting Prep
Prepare talking points and anticipate objections
I have a meeting about [topic] with [who]. Give me 5 talking points, 3 questions to ask, and 2 potential objections to prepare for. Format as a one-page cheat sheet.
The Report Summarizer
From Chapter 3. Sound informed in two minutes on a long document
Summarize this [document/report/article] in three sections: key findings, action items, and things I should be skeptical about. Write it for someone who has 2 minutes and needs to sound informed in a meeting. [Paste the text below.]
The Feedback Writer
From Chapter 3. Encouraging but honest constructive feedback
Help me write constructive feedback for [person's role]. They did great at [strengths] but need improvement on [areas]. I want the tone to be encouraging but honest. Use the format: what's working well, what could be improved, specific suggestions for growth.
The Inbox Triage
From Chapter 5. Turn a Monday-morning email pile into a sorted action list
You're my email filtering system. I receive too much email and need to focus on what matters. Here are [number] emails from today. Create a prioritized table with three columns: Priority Level (Critical, Important, or Informational), Sender, and Subject. Critical means it requires my response or action today. Important means I should review it by [day]. Informational means I can skim it or delegate it. Sort by Priority Level. Give me the top ten items, then the count of Important and Informational items. [Paste emails below.]
The Business Case Proposal
From Chapter 5. Pitch a new tool or initiative to a busy manager
I'm proposing [tool/initiative name] to my [manager's role]. It costs $[amount] per [period]. The benefits are: [list benefits, including any estimated savings]. Write a two-page business case that leads with ROI and payback period, then addresses implementation risk. They care about [their priorities, e.g. cost savings, speed to value, low disruption]. Include a 90-day implementation plan.
The Socratic Tutor
Guide students to answers through guided questions
I'm a [grade level] student working on [subject]. Don't give me the answer. Ask questions that help me figure it out myself. Start by asking what I already know.
The Math Tutor
Build problem-solving skills without giving answers away
I'm a [grade level] student working on [math topic]. Walk me through problem-solving steps without giving the answer. When I'm stuck, give a hint, not the solution.
The Lesson Plan Generator
Create structured, engaging lesson plans
I'm teaching a [grade level] [subject] unit on [topic]. Create a [number]-day lesson plan with hands-on activity, group discussion, individual reflection, and formative assessment.
The Age-Appropriate Explainer
Explain topics at a child's level
Explain [topic] in a way that a [age]-year-old would understand. Use examples from their world: school, friends, games, animals. Keep it to 3-4 sentences.
The Homework Tutor
Help kids learn rather than just getting answers
You're a patient tutor for a [grade level] student. My child is struggling with [topic]. Don't give the answer. Guide them step by step with questions.
The Test/Quiz Study Partner
Practice for exams with progressive difficulty
I have a [subject] test on [topic] on [date]. Quiz me on key concepts. Start easier and get harder. When I get something wrong, explain why.
The AI-Resistant Assignment Designer
Create assignments that require genuine thinking
I'm designing a [subject] assignment for [grade level] on [topic]. Help me create one that requires personal experience or multi-step reasoning AI can't fake.
The Activity Planner
From Chapter 3. Rescue a rainy Saturday with a bored kid, no screens
You're a creative parent. I have a [age]-year-old who's bored on a rainy Saturday. Give me 5 indoor activities that require only stuff we probably already have at home. Each activity should keep them engaged for at least 30 minutes. No screens.
The College Prep Coach
From Chapter 3. Brainstorm personal-essay angles for a high school senior
You're a college admissions consultant. My teenager is interested in [field/major] and has [relevant experience/grades/activities]. Help them brainstorm ideas for their personal essay. Don't write the essay, give them 5 unique angles they could explore, with a one-sentence explanation of why each one could work.
Social Media Calendar
Plan a month of engaging social media posts
You're my marketing assistant for [Business Name], a [type] in [location]. I need a social media calendar for [month] with daily posts. Alternate between: before-and-after, seasonal tips, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes.
Email Response Templates
Create consistent, professional email responses
I need email templates for my [type of business]. Create templates for: follow-up after estimate, service delay notification, seasonal reminder, payment reminder, thank-you with review request, and complaint response.
Job Description
Write an honest job listing that attracts the right people
I'm hiring a [role] for my [business] in [location]. The role involves [describe]. I don't require [degree]. I train people. I do require: [qualities]. Write an honest job description, about 300 words.
Interview Questions
Prepare questions that reveal if someone's a good fit
I'm hiring for [role]. My main concerns: reliability, teamwork, willingness to learn, handling [demands], quality focus. Write 10 conversational interview questions that reveal these qualities.
FAQ Page
Turn common questions into a polished FAQ
I own a [business] in [location]. Here are questions my team gets constantly with rough answers: [paste]. Turn into a professional FAQ. Clean up language, organize by category.
Standard Operating Procedure
Document a process so anyone can follow it
Create a standard operating procedure for [task] at my [business]. Here's what we do: [describe]. Write step-by-step that a new employee could follow. Include safety notes and time estimates.
Negative Review Response
Reply professionally to critical feedback
Help me respond to this negative review: "[paste]". Write a professional response that thanks them, acknowledges frustration without admitting fault, offers to resolve, and invites direct contact.
Estimate/Proposal Writing
Create a professional estimate for a client
I run a [business]. I need to write an estimate for a client who wants [job]. Include: description, timeline, price breakdown, what's included/not, and a personal touch.
Onboarding Checklist
From Chapter 7. A real first-day-to-first-month plan for a new hire
Create a detailed onboarding checklist for a new [role] at a small [type of business]. Include: first day logistics (where to be, what time, what to bring), safety briefing and equipment, introduction to each team member, training on our [main services or work areas], review of company policies (safety, quality, communication), tools and equipment tour, assigned [mentor/crew] for first week, check-in schedule (end of day 1, end of week 1, weekly for month 1), and any paperwork (tax forms, direct deposit, handbook sign-off).
Service Agreement Draft
From Chapter 7. A starting template, not a substitute for a lawyer
I'm a [type of business]. I need a basic service agreement for clients before I start work. It should cover: 1) Description of work to be done, 2) Price and payment terms ([e.g. 30% deposit, balance due on completion]), 3) Expected timeline, 4) Our liability limitations ([describe]), 5) What's included and not included, 6) How disputes are handled (mediation, not court). Make it simple and clear, not legalese. Include a note that this is not legal advice and they should have a lawyer review it.
Safety Policy
From Chapter 7. A one-pager you actually post in the truck
Write a basic safety policy for a small [type of business] with [number] employees. Include: required personal protective equipment, machine operation rules for [equipment used], heavy lifting protocols, weather conditions when we don't work, first aid and injury response procedures, and reporting hazards. Keep it practical and one page, not corporate theater.
Plot Brainstorming
Develop story ideas that surprise readers
My protagonist is [describe situation]. Here are three constraints: [list]. What are eight possible decisions she could make, and what would happen? Think surprising, not obvious.
Scene Editing
Strengthen scenes for emotional impact
I'm going to paste a scene. Tell me: What's the emotional core? Where is the conflict? What could be stronger? What's missing that would make the reader feel something?
Dialogue Coaching
Write natural dialogue that reveals character
My character is trying to [goal], and the other character is trying to [goal]. Write a conversation where both say what they actually feel. Make it natural, not theatrical.
Nonfiction Outlining
Structure essays and articles for clarity
I want to write a [blog post/essay/article] about [topic]. My main argument is [thesis]. My audience is [describe]. Help me outline with a compelling opening, 3-4 sections, and strong conclusion.
Custom Image Generation
Create images for projects or presentations
Create an image for [purpose]. It should show [subject]. [Style] style. [Lighting]. [Mood/feeling]. [Color palette].
Background Music
Generate instrumental tracks for videos or focus
A [mood] instrumental [genre] track. [Instruments]. [Tempo]. Good for [use]. No vocals.
Wedding Toast/Speech
Craft a meaningful speech for special occasions
I'm writing a [type of speech] for [person]. They are [describe]. I want it [funny/emotional/both]. About [length]. Help me brainstorm key stories and suggest structure.
The Writing Partner
From Chapter 3. Strengthen a draft without losing your voice
I'm writing a [type of piece: blog post, story, article] about [topic]. Here's what I have so far: [paste your draft]. Help me improve it: strengthen the opening, tighten the language, and suggest a better ending. Keep my voice, don't make it sound like someone else wrote it.
The Brainstorm Machine
From Chapter 3. 15 ideas, with deliberately wild ones
I need creative ideas for [project/problem]. Give me 15 ideas, 5 safe and conventional, 5 creative but doable, and 5 wild cards that might be crazy enough to work. Don't filter yourself on the wild cards.
The Design Brief
From Chapter 3. Describe a graphic well enough to execute or hand off
I need to create a [flyer/logo/social media graphic] for [purpose]. My audience is [describe]. The vibe should be [describe]. Describe exactly what this design should look like, layout, colors, fonts, imagery, so I can create it myself or hand the brief to a designer.
The Personal Editor
From Chapter 3. Clean up clarity and grammar without changing your voice
Edit this piece of writing for clarity, grammar, and flow. Don't change my voice or style, just make it cleaner. Point out any sentences that are confusing or any arguments that don't land. Be specific about what to fix and why. [Paste your text below.]
The Verbal-Tics Finder
From Chapter 8. Catch the words and phrases you overuse without realizing
Read this [chapter/draft/document] and tell me which words or phrases I use too often. Show me the count for each, give a few example sentences from my own text where the phrase appears, and suggest two or three alternatives I could rotate in.
Privacy Policy Analyzer
Understand what a company does with your data
I'm pasting a privacy policy from [company]. Explain in plain English: what data they collect, how long they keep it, who they share with, can I opt out, what happens if I delete my account.
Verify a Claim
Think critically about something you read
I read the following claim: "[paste]". Help me think critically: What would verify this? What are reliable sources to check? Red flags? Most likely alternative explanation if false?
Check AI's Own Work
Understand where AI is confident or uncertain
After you answer, rate your confidence (high/medium/low), tell me which parts you're most and least sure about, and suggest 2-3 sources to verify independently.
Analyze a Suspicious Message
Detect scams and phishing attempts
I received this message and I'm not sure if it's legitimate or a scam. [Paste]. Check for: urgency tactics, unusual payment requests, suspicious links, impersonation.
Evaluate a News Article
Assess the trustworthiness of a news story
Help me evaluate this article: Does it cite sources? Emotional manipulation? What's missing? How could I verify key claims? Trustworthiness 1-10?
First Contact
Understand what AI can help you with
Hi, I'm new to AI and just setting things up. Can you tell me what you're best at?
Simple Factual Question
Get reliable information on straightforward topics
What's the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Refinement Follow-Up
Adjust results to match what you need
That's good, but make it a little less formal. I actually like my landlord. I just want the dishwasher fixed.
Interview Practice Partner
Prepare for job interviews with realistic practice
I have a job interview for [position] tomorrow. Act as the interviewer and ask me tough questions one at a time. After five questions, give me feedback.
AI Job Exposure Self-Assessment
Understand how AI might affect your work
I work as [title] in [industry]. My main daily tasks are: [list]. For each, assess: How likely AI could automate it in 1-3 years? What part requires human judgment? How could AI make me better?
Career Skills Gap Analysis
Plan your professional development with AI in mind
I'm a [title] with [X] years of experience. Help me identify: 3 skills to develop, 1 way to use AI in my current role, 1 adjacent specialization that would make me harder to replace.
The Morning Briefing
From Chapter 10. Five minutes of news, on the topics you actually care about
You know I care about: [list 3-5 specific topics or places]. Give me three sentences on each that matter to me today. Keep it under 200 words total. Nothing scary, just what I need to know.
The Daily Plan
From Chapter 10. A timeline for the day that respects your energy
I'm going to [list activities]. Given that I have [energy level: high/normal/tired], what order should I do these in? When should I eat? When should I take breaks? Give me a suggested timeline.
All 49 prompts from Appendix B, the 8 templates Chapter 3 named but the appendix didn't catalogue, and ten of the most useful worked examples from the chapter narratives.
The best prompts are the ones you customize. Save your favorites and build your own library, this is a starting point, not the destination.
Verified against the final print edition. Last verified: May 21, 2026.
Learn the PIE Framework.
Every prompt in this library is built on PIE: three steps that cover every good interaction you'll ever have with an AI.
PROMPT
Write a clear opening prompt. This is where you use the 5-Part Formula (Role + Context + Task + Format + Constraints) to set the AI up to succeed before it ever types a word.
ITERATE
Have a real conversation. Read what it gave you, picture the right version, name where it's falling short, and tell the AI exactly how to fix it. Repeat until it's right.
EXECUTE
Put it to work in the real world. Send the email, publish the post, present the plan, have the conversation.
Example: Prompt → Iterate → Execute
Opening Prompt
You're my communications coach. Write a confident, realistic email to my manager explaining the delayed project and the path back on track. Keep it under 150 words.
First Move
Less apologetic, more accountable. Lead with the new timeline and what changed, not with the apology.
Voice Match
Match the voice of this example I wrote last week, and verify the dates against my calendar.
Send It
Ready to send. Sounds like you, explains the situation clearly, and shows a path forward.