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Reply to a test request with how long it would take

  • For Product managers
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

A marketer asked you to A/B test a new headline and you need to reply with what it takes. Write a plain-text email to Hannah Boyd under 100 words with a Subject: line. The first sentence states about how many days the test would take, with the division shown, then ask her exactly 3 questions on lines starting Q1:, Q2: and Q3:, one for each missing decision. Don't promise a result.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Agreeing to start Monday. The AI says 'sounds great, let's start Monday'. Try: Add: "Don't start until she answers the three questions."
  • Missing the runtime. The AI doesn't say it takes about 49 days. Try: Add: "First sentence: 39,000 / 800 = about 49 days."
  • Vague questions. The AI asks 'what are your goals?' Try: Add: "Q1 the deciding metric, Q2 who is included, Q3 smallest lift worth shipping."
  • Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the reader
  • Asks for the runtime
  • Asks for three Q lines
  • Rules out promises
  • Asks for the subject

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