AI responds well to clarity and intent. Prompting is the grammar, punctuation, and verbs of that conversation. When you dial in the syntax—role, context, instruction, format—you give the model a GPS coordinate instead of a vague direction.
For consistently powerful results across all AI tools, structure your prompts in these four parts:
- Role: Tell the model who it is. A Hollywood screenwriter writes dialogue very differently from a Facebook ad copywriter.
- Context / Examples: Drop the breadcrumbs or give demonstrations of the desired output. Without context, AI fills the gaps with generic sludge.
- Instruction: Ask for steak, not “food.” Specific inputs create specific outputs—period.
- Format: Force the shape. Bullet list? Table? Email draft? The model must know how to present the information.
Miss any one piece and the quality of your output can suffer. Nail all four and you get ultra‑niche blog posts, airtight contracts, or marketing hooks that print conversions. To really drive this concept home, let’s look at some examples.
Visual Prompt Structuring
When working with complex prompts across multiple AI platforms, visual structure becomes essential for clarity and efficient iteration. Add a pound symbol (#) at the beginning of each prompt section to create clear visual separators:
Example advanced prompt:
# ROLE: You are an experienced music producer with expertise in electronic composition
# CONTEXT: I'm creating an ambient track inspired by Icelandic landscapes
# INSTRUCTION: Suggest three distinctive synth textures that would evoke glacial environments
# FORMAT: For each texture, include the synth type, key processing techniques, and example artists who use similar sounds
In many AI platforms and documentation tools, the pound symbol also functions as a markdown heading indicator. A single # creates a top-level heading, ## creates a subheading, and ### creates a third-level heading. This dual functionality means your prompt structure can also enhance readability in markdown-compatible environments:
Example advanced markdown structure:
# Main Prompt Section
Content for the main section...
## Sub-Section Details
More specific information...
### Fine-Grained Details
Very specific instructions...
This approach is particularly valuable when developing complex persona prompts that require frequent adjustment and testing across multiple platforms like Claude, Midjourney, and Sora.
Example Basic Prompt;
Create a track concept for a new ambient EP inspired by arctic landscapes.
Example Advanced prompt:
# ROLE: You are an AI music producer specialising in electronic ambient music
# CONTEXT: You have 15+ years of experience in the industry and have worked with renowned artists across multiple genres. Your production style balances technical precision with emotional depth.
## TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Proficient in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio
- Expert in sound design using both analog and digital synthesisers
- Specialised in creating immersive, atmospheric soundscapes
# INSTRUCTION: Create a track concept for a new ambient EP inspired by arctic landscapes.
## REQUIREMENTS:
- Describe three distinct track ideas with appropriate sonic textures
- For each track, suggest tempo, key, and core instruments
- Provide production techniques that would enhance the immersive quality
# FORMAT:
Present your response as a professional production brief with:
- Conceptual overview of the EP
- Individual track breakdowns
- Technical production notes
