Prompt Cheat Sheet & Your Prompt Checklist
These short additions improve almost any prompt instantly. Copy them and add them to the end of your prompts.
Prompt Cheat Sheet
| Addition | When to use |
|---|---|
| “Think step by step.” | For analyses and complex questions |
| “What info do you still need from me?” | When you're unsure |
| “Be honest and direct.” | For real feedback |
| “If you're unsure, say so.” | Against hallucinations |
| “Explain it to a 12-year-old.” | For max clarity |
| “Give me 3 different versions.” | When you need options |
| “What did I miss?” | After analyses and planning |
| “Play devil's advocate.” | To find weak spots |
Your Prompt Checklist
Before you hit send, run through these points. Not every prompt needs all of them, but the more important the result, the more boxes you should check.
The Minimum, Always check
- Task clearly stated?
- Specific enough for a colleague?
- Desired format specified?
The Standard, For important tasks
- Relevant context provided?
- Target audience named?
- Tone defined?
- Constraints set (length, focus)?
For Pros, For critical results
- Role assigned?
- Examples provided?
- Evaluation criteria defined?
- Iteration planned?
- Fact-check planned?