The RICE Formula (Universal Prompt Structure)

R - Role
I - Instructions
C - Context
E - Examples

Memory Trick: "RICE feeds the AI brain"

**Template:**
You are a [ROLE].
[INSTRUCTIONS] about the task.
Here's the context: [CONTEXT]
Examples: [EXAMPLES]

Example:

You are a professional email writer.
Write a polite follow-up email for a job application.
Here's the context: Applied 2 weeks ago, no response yet, really interested in the position.
Examples: Use phrases like "I wanted to follow up" and "I remain very interested"

The STAR Method (For Complex Tasks)

S - Situation
T - Task
A - Action
R - Result

Memory Trick: "Every STAR shines bright"

**Template:**
Situation: [Current scenario]
Task: [What needs to be done]
Action: [How to approach it]
Result: [Expected outcome format]

Example:

Situation: I'm preparing a presentation for my boss about quarterly sales.
Task: Create 5 compelling bullet points that highlight our achievements.
Action: Focus on numbers, growth percentages, and customer satisfaction.
Result: Format as bullet points with metrics and brief explanations.

The POWER Formula (For Persuasive Content)

P - Purpose
O - Outcome
W - Who (Audience)
E - Examples
R - Requirements

Memory Trick: "POWER up your prompts"

**Template:**
Purpose: [Why you need this]
Outcome: [What success looks like]
Who: [Target audience]
Examples: [Reference points]
Requirements: [Constraints/specifications]

Example:

Purpose: Create a social media post to promote our new product
Outcome: Increase engagement and drive traffic to our website
Who: Tech-savvy millennials aged 25-35
Examples: Use casual tone like "Game-changer alert!" 
Requirements: Under 280 characters, include hashtags, call-to-action

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Quick Reference Formulas

1. The "Magic Words" Formula

"Act as [EXPERT] and [ACTION] for [AUDIENCE] about [TOPIC] in [STYLE]"

Example:

"Act as a fitness trainer and create a workout plan for beginners about strength training in a motivational style"

2. The "Step-by-Step" Formula

"Break down [TASK] into simple steps. For each step, explain [WHAT] and [WHY]."

Example:

"Break down creating a budget into simple steps. For each step, explain what to do and why it matters."

3. The "Compare & Contrast" Formula

"Compare [A] vs [B] in terms of [CRITERIA]. Present as [FORMAT]."

Example:

"Compare iPhone vs Android in terms of user experience, price, and features. Present as a simple table."

One-Liner Power Prompts

For Content Creation:

"Transform [TOPIC] into [FORMAT] for [AUDIENCE] using [TONE]"

For Problem Solving:

"Solve [PROBLEM] by suggesting [NUMBER] practical solutions with pros/cons"

For Analysis:

"Analyze [SUBJECT] and identify key [ASPECTS] with supporting evidence"

For Learning:

"Explain [CONCEPT] using [METHOD] suitable for [LEVEL] learners"

The "Prompt Sandwich" Method

Top Bun: Context + Role
Meat: Specific Task + Requirements
Bottom Bun: Output Format + Examples

Memory Trick: "Feed the AI a complete sandwich"

Template:
[CONTEXT] You are [ROLE].

Your task is to [SPECIFIC TASK] with these requirements:
- [REQUIREMENT 1]
- [REQUIREMENT 2] 
- [REQUIREMENT 3]

Format the output as [FORMAT]. Here's an example: [EXAMPLE]

Error-Proofing Your Prompts

The "OOPS" Prevention Check

O - Objective clear?
O - Output format specified?
P - Parameters defined?
S - Scope limited?

Memory Trick: "Don't say OOPS later!"

Emergency Prompt Kit

Stuck? Use these rescue formulas:

When Nothing Works:

"Pretend you're teaching this to a 10-year-old. [YOUR REQUEST]"

When Output is Too Complex:

"Simplify the above response. Use bullet points and everyday language."

When You Need Creativity:

"Think outside the box and give me 3 completely different approaches to [PROBLEM]"

When You Need Specifics:

"Be extremely specific. Include exact steps, numbers, and examples for [REQUEST]"

Bottomline:

These formulas are training wheels. Once you master them, you'll naturally create effective prompts without thinking about the structure. Start with one formula, use it for a week, then add another. Soon, prompt engineering will become as natural as writing an email!
Master these formulas, and you'll never struggle with prompt engineering again. Happy prompting!