Industry observers note that but what about those times with ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini absolutely crushes it, giving you exactly what you needed from your prompt? I’ve written before about how to ask ChatGPT to improve a so-so prompt.
According to the latest update, the trick is learning how to repeat that success. Every so often, you’ll strike upon the perfect prompt, one that delivers a surprisingly thorough, incisive, or otherwise effective answer.
Industry observers note that don’t just move on to a follow-up prompt. Instead, take a beat and ask ChatGPT (or whichever AI chatbot you happen to be using) why your prompt worked so well. The first step: Stop.
Industry observers note that the next time you get a great answer from an AI, try this prompt immediately afterward:.
In a fresh development, two things. First, explain what about my prompt made this work so well. Second, turn my request into a reusable, fill-in-the-blank template I can use next time and tell me which parts matter most. That was exactly what I needed.
Industry observers note that there’s no coding tags, roleplaying, or “be a panel of experts” stuff here. Instead, it’s a straightforward “get the recipe” prompt. One thing that sets this prompt apart from others I’ve covered is its simplicity.
According to the latest update, also, this prompt is asking for two things that actually work hand-in-hand: an explanation for why the prompt worked and a template for doing it again.
The report highlights that that “create a template” is doing double-duty here, giving you both a blueprint for repeating the prompt’s success and ensuring the AI gives you concrete details, rather than merely flattering you on your prompting prowess.
Industry observers note that here’s an example of a ChatGPT prompt (using GPT-5.5 Instant) that yielded a spot-on response:.
According to the latest update, we have a friendly, but slightly tense relationship. He’s slow to respond and I don’t want to come off as demanding, but this is the third time I’ve asked. Keep it short and polite, but with a clear deadline. Help me write an email asking my landlord to fix the dishwasher.
Industry observers note that when I followed up with the “explain what went right” prompt, here’s a snippet of the answer I got:.
As part of the ongoing story, what made your prompt work so well is that it specified the decision-making constraints, not just the task.
As part of the ongoing story, “Write an email asking my landlord to fix the dishwasher.”.
As part of the ongoing story, that’s enough to produce something grammatically correct, but it leaves a lot of important choices up to the AI.
The report highlights that your prompt filled in the missing context:.
As part of the ongoing story, audience: “my landlord”Relationship: “friendly but slightly tense”Behavioral context: “He’s slow to respond.”Your goal: “I don’t want to come off as demanding.”Relevant history: “this is the third time I’ve asked.”Output constraints: “Keep it short and polite but with a clear deadline.”.
Industry observers note that then ChatGPT generated the reusable template:.
Industry observers note that write a [type of message] to [recipient].
The report highlights that relationship: [How we normally interact.].
According to the latest update, context: [What happened and any relevant history.].
Industry observers note that things to balance: [Examples: friendly but firm, apologetic but confident, professional but warm.].
Industry observers note that constraints: [Length, deadline, tone, anything that must or must not be included.].
As part of the ongoing story, combined, the “why did it work” explanation and “make me a template” request reveal the winning strategy behind the prompt: it focuses on the “what” rather than the “how.”.
Industry observers note that try this “get the recipe” prompt with other prompts that worked well for you, and hopefully you’ll discover fresh pearls of AI prompting wisdom.
As part of the ongoing story, his coverage of artificial intelligence interrogates the most recent LLMs, and how they can be used at work and at home to be best prepared for the AI revolution. “AI is going to change our lives sooner than we think,” Ben writes. “Our best way to adapt is by using it every day.” Ben has been a PCWorld author since 2014, and has covered everything from laptops to security cameras before launching PCWorld’s AI beat. Ben's articles have also appeared in PC Magazine, TIME, Wired, CNET, Men's Fitness, Mobile Magazine, and more. Ben holds a master's degree in English literature. Ben has been writing about consumer technology for more than 20 years, and now focuses his reporting on AI as it relates to the basic human experience.