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
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 the text below to half its length. Keep every number, date and name exactly as written. [paste text]
Rewrite the text below so it sounds warm and plain, like a helpful neighbour. Do not add promises. [paste text]
Understanding and summarising
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 [topic] to me as if I am new to it. Use one everyday example. Then list three questions I should ask next.
Read the plan below and list what is missing, unclear or risky. Do not rewrite it. [paste plan]
Planning and deciding
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 [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.
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.
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