What is a prompt?

A prompt is whatever goes into an AI tool to get a response. In a chat assistant it is the message typed into the box, and it can include pasted text, uploaded files, or images along with the request. In an automation, a prompt is often a saved template with blanks that are filled in automatically, such as with the text of each incoming email.

Wording matters. A request to summarize a report will get a generic summary, while a prompt that says who the summary is for, how long it should be, and what to focus on, such as risks and deadlines for a busy director in five bullet points, will usually produce something far more usable on the first try.

Useful prompts tend to include the task, the relevant background, the audience, the format wanted, and any limits, such as words to avoid or a maximum length. Giving an example of a good answer also helps. Prompts do not need special phrases or tricks; clear, specific instructions that a capable new colleague could follow work well.

A prompt does not guarantee the result. The model may still ignore part of an instruction, invent details, or misread the request, so outputs need checking. Anything placed in a prompt is also shared with the tool's provider, which matters for confidential information and personal data, so it is worth knowing the organization's rules on what can go in.

An example

A salesperson writes a prompt asking an assistant to turn rough call notes into a polite follow-up email that lists the agreed next steps.