7. Output Control: Getting Exactly What You Want

You can have the right idea and the wrong format and waste the whole output.

7.1 Format Anchoring

Do not say "use bullet points." Define the exact structure:

Instead of: "Give me a summary"

"Structure your response as: [3-word headline] → [2-sentence explanation] → [1 concrete example] → [1 failure case or caveat].

Repeat this pattern for each point. Maximum 5 points. No introductory paragraph."

Problem	Fix Prompt
Too long / padded	"Remove every sentence that could have been in any answer about this topic. Only keep what is specific to my situation and question."
Too surface-level	"This is too high-level. Go one layer deeper on point 3. Give me the mechanism behind it, not the summary."
Too generic	"Rewrite this with a specific real-world example at the centre of each point. No abstract claims without an anchor."
Wrong tone	"Rewrite this as natural spoken language I could say in a conversation. First person. No bullet points. Under 150 words."
Missed the point	"You answered a slightly different question. My actual question was [restate]. Answer only that, in 3 focused bullet points."

"Write this like a senior professional explaining to a smart newcomer — no jargon without definition."
"Write this like a friend texting advice — casual, direct, zero fluff."
"Write this like a textbook entry — precise, neutral, complete, third person."
"Write this as if I need to explain it to my parents — zero assumed knowledge, maximum clarity."