Asking well: a guide to writing requests

Answer quality follows request quality. Make four things explicit:

• Goal: “I need an e-mail that…”
• Audience: “for the CEO of a distribution company”
• Tone & format: “formal, two paragraphs max”
• Context: provide the needed background or attach the file

Instead of “write about marketing,” say: “Give me three SMS-campaign ideas for a home-appliance web shop for Yalda night; include suggested copy for each.” If the answer misses, refine in place: “make it shorter,” “use an Iranian example.” The conversation has memory — stepwise refinement usually beats crafting one perfect prompt.