Write one CLEAR brief
A five-word ask is why the answer feels useless
You already chose a real task — or you can pick one now. Give chat the brief a capable colleague would need.
I still catch myself typing five words when I am tired, then judging the result in fifteen seconds. The model did not fail. I never described the job.
I proved this in rooms like executive training at Timberlink: same models, worse or better answers depending entirely on how people asked.
That is why I teach CLEAR. It is a briefing method, not a magic prompt.
Most people use AI like a search engine.
The best use it like a strategic colleague.
CLEAR shows you how.
CLEAR
| Letter | Name | What I put in |
|---|---|---|
| C | Context | Situation, challenge, why now, constraints, success |
| L | Layout | Exact format, length, structure, sections |
| E | Examples | Style, tone, past work, “what good looks like” |
| A | Audience | Who reads it, what they care about, depth |
| R | Role | Who the AI should act as |
Without CLEAR
How should we approach workforce planning?
Generic advice that could apply to anyone.
With CLEAR (sketch)
- C: 200-person manufacturer, board timeline, competitive pressure…
- L: 3-page executive brief: current · future · roadmap
- E: Depth like a good consulting workforce report; our language
- A: Board, non-technical, 5-minute speak time
- R: CHRO who has led transformation in traditional industry
Same model. Completely different answer.
Two lines that keep you responsible
CLEAR improves the answer. These two lines keep you accountable:
- Fallback — if it is unsure: flag, ask, do not invent
- What I will check — the claims you will verify yourself before you use the answer
A check before AI continues is a gate. You stay at the helm.
One method. One file. Template: templates/01-clear-prompt.md
Blank-page trick I still use: “Interview me first — ask what you need, then wait.”
The goal is not a prettier answer. It is an answer I can stand behind.
Your turn
This stays on your device. Craft does not save preview work, evidence, or a completion stamp.
Situation, challenge, why now, constraints, success.
Exact format, length, structure, sections.
Style, tone, past work, or what good looks like.
Who reads it, what they care about, how deep.
Who the AI should act as.
The claims you will verify yourself.
Please work from this CLEAR brief. Context: … Layout: … Examples: … Audience: … Role: … Fallback: If you are unsure, flag it and ask. Do not invent. What I will check: …
Done when: One CLEAR prompt on real work, copied into ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot Chat.
After the sampler
Continue inside Craft
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