Everyday productivity

Starter prompts for everyday jobs

You will have ten copy-and-paste prompts and know which to check most carefully.

Before you start

  • An AI assistant, free plan is fine
  • A real task to try the prompts on

How to use this pack

Replace each part in [square brackets] with your own details. Paste only what you are comfortable sharing, and read every answer before you use it.

Writing and replying

Reply to an email

Write a polite reply of up to 100 words to the email below. Use only these facts: [facts]. If something is missing, ask me instead of guessing. Email: [paste email]

Shorten a message

Shorten the text below to half its length. Keep every number, date and name exactly as written. [paste text]

Make it friendlier

Rewrite the text below so it sounds warm and plain, like a helpful neighbour. Do not add promises. [paste text]

Understanding and summarising

Summarise a document

Summarise the text below in five bullets for someone who has never seen it. Then list any decisions or deadlines that appear in it. [paste text]

Explain simply

Explain [topic] to me as if I am new to it. Use one everyday example. Then list three questions I should ask next.

Spot what is missing

Read the plan below and list what is missing, unclear or risky. Do not rewrite it. [paste plan]

Planning and deciding

Plan a week

Here are my tasks and fixed commitments: [paste] Propose a realistic plan for the week. Flag anything that does not fit. Do not add tasks.

Compare two options

Compare [option A] and [option B] for [my situation] in a table with cost, effort, risk and what I would give up. Say what you are unsure about.

Break a goal into steps

My goal is [goal]. List the first five steps, each small enough to finish in under an hour. Ask me any questions you need first.

Prepare for a meeting

I have a meeting about [topic] with [who]. Suggest five questions I should ask and three things I should be ready to answer.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Pasting private details into a prompt
  • Using an answer without reading it
  • Leaving a placeholder in the final text
  • Asking for several things in one prompt

Final checklist

  • I filled in every placeholder
  • I read each answer before using it
  • I checked names, dates and numbers