AI Prompting
Most effective prompts follow a basic format:
[Instruction] + [Context] + [Format/Constraints] + [Tone (optional)]
Simplifying information / Data
Explain how circadian lighting works, like I’m a 5 year old.
Brainstorm ideas
Give me 10 unique YouTube video ideas for ADHD-friendly morning routines.
Summarise
Summarise this article in bullet points using UK English. Maximun of 200 words.
Compare options
Compare Mac OS and MS Windows for neurodivergent users. Table format.
Turn thoughts into content
Turn the following messy notes into a blog post outline: [paste your thoughts]
Turn thoughts into content
You’re a therapist. What would you say to a client who feels overwhelmed with parenting and work?
Common Mistakes
| Mistakes | Fix |
| Vague prompts | Add context and examples |
| Too much at once | Break into steps |
| No output format | Specify how you want the result shown |
| Repeating yourself | Use follow-up questions to refine, don’t restart from scratch |
Instead of using ‘Rewrite’, use one of the following:
| Alternative Word | Usage |
| Paraphrase | When you want to avoid plagiarism by rewording content. |
| Reframe | To change the perspective or focus of the text. |
| Summarize | For a quick overview of lengthy content. |
| Expand | To provide a more comprehensive understanding of a topic. |
| Explain | To make a complex point clearer. |
| Reinterpret | To provide a different understanding or perspective. |
| Simplify | To reduce the complexity of the language. |
| Elaborate | To add more detail or explanation. |
| Amplify | To strengthen the message or key points. |
| Clarify | To make a confusing statement or concept clearer. |
| Adapt | To modify content for a different audience or purpose. |
| Modernize | To update outdated language or concepts. |
| Formalize | To convert informal language into a more formal tone. |
| Informalize | To make the language more casual and approachable. |
| Condense | To make the content shorter by focusing on key points. |
| Emphasize/Reiterate | To highlight certain points more strongly. |
| Diversify | To add variety, especially in sentence structure or vocabulary. |
| Neutralize | To remove bias or opinion, making the text more objective. |
| Streamline | To remove unnecessary content or fluff. |
| Enrich/Embellish | To add more detail or flair. |
| Illustrate | To provide examples that clarify a point. |
| Synthesize | To combine different pieces of information into a cohesive whole. |
| Sensationalize | To make content more dramatic or eye-catching. |
| Humanize | To make the text more relatable or personal. |
| Elevate | To create a more sophisticated or impressive version. |
| Illuminate | To make the content crystal clear or enlightening. |
| Enliven/Energize | To make the text more lively or engaging. |
| Soft-pedal | To downplay or reduce the intensity of the text. |
| Exaggerate | To hype up the content with hyperbole. |
| Downplay | To make the tone more mild and reserved. |
| Glamorize | To make the content more appealing or glamorous. |
Instructional Shortcuts
| Shorthand | Meaning / Use | Example Prompt |
| TL;DR | “Too long; didn’t read” → Summarise quickly | TL;DR this blog post into 3 bullet points |
| ELI5 | “Explain Like I’m 5” → Break it down simply | ELI5: How does a VPN work? |
| TLDW | “Too Long; Didn’t Watch” → Summarise a video | TLDW this YouTube transcript in 5 bullet points |
| Step-by-step | Ask AI to reason or walk through a solution | Explain this Excel formula step-by-step |
| Listicle | Ask for content in list format | Write a listicle on ADHD-friendly workspace setups |
| Turn this into [Format] | Format conversion | Turn this info into a LinkedIn post or tweet |