ChatGPT Prompts: The CREW Formula for Perfect AI Results (in 8 Minutes)

Mastering AI Prompts with the CREW Formula

Are you frustrated with AI responses that miss the mark? It's not necessarily the AI's fault, but rather the quality of your prompts. This article introduces the CREW formula, a practical approach to crafting effective AI prompts, ensuring AI assistance becomes reliable and efficient.

Understanding the CREW Formula

The CREW formula is built upon four key elements: Context, Role, Expectation, and Workflow. Thinking of AI as a helpful assistant, clearly define these elements to guide the AI and achieve optimal results.

• C - Context: Provide background information to the AI about the task at hand.

• R - Role: Define the roles of both you and the AI in the interaction.

• E - Expectation: Specify the desired outcome and format of the AI's response.

• W - Workflow: Outline the steps the AI should take to complete the task.

The Importance of Context

Defining the Situation

Context provides the necessary background for the AI to understand the task. Include what problem you're trying to solve, your role (e.g., decision-maker, executor), and any limitations or specific conditions.

Asking the Right Questions

To effectively define the context, consider these questions:

1. What problem am I trying to solve?
2. What is my role in this situation?
3. What are the limitations or specific conditions?

Example of Improving a Prompt with Context

Instead of a vague prompt like "Write a plan," a more detailed prompt with context is, "I want to improve my appearance on video, but I need to gain muscle. I have limited time, only one hour per evening after work. Create a training plan." This allows the AI to provide tailored workout and diet advice.

Specifying Roles

Defining Personalities

Defining roles sets expectations for the AI's tone and approach. Are you a student seeking a tutor, a writer seeking an editor, or an entrepreneur seeking advice? By assigning roles, you enable the AI to align its responses with the defined persona.

Examples of Role Assignment

• "I am a busy professional, and you are my personal life coach."

• "I am a content creator, and you are a top-tier copywriter."

• "I am a comedian, and you are my joke writer."

Setting Expectations

Clearly Describing the Desired Output

AI needs clear instructions regarding the expected outcome. Describe the desired format (list, table, Markdown, email), tone (formal, casual, humorous), and provide examples to guide the AI.

Elements of Setting Expectations

1. Format: Specify the desired output format.
2. Tone: Define the desired tone and style.
3. Example: Provide an example for the AI to follow.

Defining the Workflow

Breaking Down Complex Tasks

For complex tasks, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This improves the AI's ability to deliver accurate and relevant results.

Example of Workflow Definition

To translate an English video script to Chinese:

1. Remove timestamps from the subtitles.
2. Combine incomplete sentences into complete ones.
3. Translate the text into accurate and natural-sounding Chinese.
4. Refine the translation for fluency.

Recap of the CREW Formula

The CREW formula empowers you to craft effective AI prompts, leading to more useful and efficient AI assistance.

• Context: Provide background on the task.

• Role: Define the roles of you and the AI.

• Expectation: Specify the desired output and style.

• Workflow: Break down the task into clear steps.