GPT-4 Expert Prompt Patterns for Better Results

GPT-4 Expert Prompt Patterns for Better Results

Using GPT-4 effectively shines when you give models context, constraints, and a clear outcome. This guide gives you reusable prompt patterns and a workflow that turns AI into a reliable collaborator. Start by stating your goal, audience, tone, and output format. Then specify constraints—length, keywords, do/don’t rules, and example inputs. Finish with a request for two to three alternatives and a short rationale for each choice.

How to use these prompts: Paste a prompt, then immediately iterate. Ask follow‑ups like “What assumptions did you make?”, “Offer three stronger rewrites in different tones,” and “Point out risks, biases, or edge cases to check.” This tight loop compounds quality quickly.

Starter Prompts

  • Act as an expert copywriter and produce an for about in .
  • Ask me 7 clarifying questions before drafting to avoid wrong assumptions.
  • Offer 3 outline options with different angles and a one‑line rationale for each.

Advanced Variations

  • Constrain to words and include , , .
  • Provide a hidden planning step, then output only the final script.
  • Add a self‑critique and a stronger revision focused on .

Refinement & QA

  • List risks, biases, and edge cases to watch. Suggest tests to validate claims.
  • Write a one‑paragraph executive summary and a 7‑step action checklist.
  • Create a reusable template with ALL‑CAPS placeholders.

Prompt Anatomy Checklist

  • Goal and success criteria are explicit
  • Audience, tone, and format are defined
  • Inputs, examples, and constraints are listed
  • Edge cases and failure modes are anticipated
  • Ask for alternatives and a brief rationale

Common Mistakes & Fixes

  • Vague goals → Replace with measurable outcomes and a deadline.
  • No constraints → Add word counts, keywords, or style rules.
  • One‑shot prompting → Iterate with targeted follow‑ups.
  • No QA → Request a self‑critique and a revised version.

Pro tip: Save your best outputs as mini‑templates. Over time you’ll build a private prompt library that covers ideation → drafting → editing → QA → conversion. Label each with use case, audience, and the metric it should move.

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