PromptIQ
All lessons90 sec

Specify the output format

Tell the AI how to structure its response.

Why this matters

Without a format, you get a wall of text that needs reshaping before you can use it. That reshaping is wasted time. When you tell the AI the exact structure — number of paragraphs, bullet points, table columns — you get output that drops straight into your document, email, or webpage. Format instructions also force the AI to organise its thinking, which often improves the content itself.

Weak prompt

Help me with my product page.

Strong prompt

Write a product description for eco-conscious shoppers aged 25-45 about my bamboo travel mug with 12-hour heat retention. Use this structure: 1. Headline (max 8 words, benefit-led) 2. Pain point (2-3 sentences about disposable cup waste) 3. Solution (how the mug solves it, mention the 12-hour stat) 4. CTA ending with 'Shop now — your last disposable cup was yesterday.'

AudienceSpecificityFormat (this lesson)

Every section has a job, a length, and specific content. The audience and product details give the AI context. The four numbered sections are the format — the AI knows exactly what to produce. Copy-paste ready, no reformatting needed.

Actionable tip

Describe the structure like you are briefing a freelancer. If you would need to explain the layout, write it into the prompt.

Next: Avoid vague adjectives