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Rewrite a rambling memo with the bottom line first

  • For Executives
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

Rewrite the memo for the CEO in plain text, under 70 words. The first line starts "Bottom line:" and states the decision you need and the date. Then exactly 3 dash bullets giving the three reasons, each with a number from the memo. Do not include the history of the vendor or the background story.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Burying the ask. The AI starts with the history. Try: Say: "First line starts Bottom line: with the decision and date."
  • Keeping the story. The AI includes the 2019 trip. Try: Say: "Do not include the history or background."
  • Reasons without numbers. The AI writes cheaper and faster. Try: Say: "Each bullet has a number from the memo."
  • More than three bullets. The AI adds migration and Europe. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 dash bullets."
  • Too long. The AI keeps a long explanation. Try: Say: "Under 70 words."
  • 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

  • Bottom line first
  • Decision and date
  • Three bullets with numbers
  • Leave out history
  • Caps words

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