Anyone can prompt...but is your AI Writing Assistant listening?

Hey there, Digital Writers!

To get the most out of AI writing, there are 3 key skills you need to master:

• Input

• Form

• Frame

Input is what you tell AI, so it knows what to write. Form is how you use signs and styles AI understands, so it can follow your lead. Frame is how you set up your prompt, so it's easy for AI to grasp.

When you use all three, you can get great AI output that fits your needs.

Last week, we covered Input with “The W.R.I.T.E.R.S Compass.” Today, we'll look at prompt form—the language or syntax to "talk" with AI for clear, on-point text that will help you get even better results from your AI writing tools.

At the end of this post, I'll leave you with a prompt template that includes all the key form elements, which you can use immediately.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Prompt Form?

Prompt form is how you use signs and styles AI knows.

Just like a base coach uses hand signals in baseball to tell a runner when to bunt, steal or stay on the bag, you can use special characters and formatting to guide AI. Baseball players know the game they are playing (the input), but they need the signals (the form) to help them play to win.

In the same way, prompt form helps AI understand your instructions better.

• Use #tags to show themes or topics, like a coach might tug on his ear to indicate a hit-and-run

• Add [tips] or (notes) for extra guidance, like a coach might tap his head to tell the runner to think and make a smart play

By using these "signs," you help AI "run the bases" of your prompt more effectively.

When you mix the Writers Compass (Input), Form, and Frame, you give AI a full game plan. This helps AI create text that fits your needs like a glove, just as a base coach's signs help a runner make the right moves. If you skip any of these parts, your prompt may not do the job, like a runner who misses a sign and gets thrown out.

The Two Types Of Prompt Form

When using form, there are two main types of "signs" you can use:

• Critical

• Optional

Let’s take a look at how to use them in your prompts starting with Critical signs.

Form Type #1: Critical

Critical signs tell AI what info is a must.

These special characters draw attention to the most important parts of your prompt.

For example:

• #Hashtags for key points

• <Angle brackets> for specific instructions

• [Square brackets] for placeholders

• CAPITAL LETTERS for crucial elements

Simple enough.

Let’s look at the differences, so you know how to put these to work.

Angle Brackets <>

Angle brackets are used to specify exact instructions or variables that should be replaced with specific information. They indicate that the enclosed text is a placeholder for something that needs to be defined or provided by the user.

Example: