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Email the VP of Sales a forecast change with both drivers

  • For FP&A and financial analysts
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

You're explaining a Q4 forecast change to the VP of Sales, Dana. Write a prompt for a plain-text email under 90 words. The first sentence gives the new forecast and the change from the prior forecast. Then two lines, one per driver, each with its dollar amount and sign. Use the net change, not just the largest driver. End with exactly "Jonah, FP&A". No greeting.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Reporting only the big driver. The AI says the forecast fell $200K. Try: Say: "First sentence gives the net change of $150K."
  • Dropping the positive driver. The AI omits renewals. Try: Add: "One line per driver, with its sign."
  • Adding a greeting and sign-off. The AI writes Hi Dana and Best regards. Try: Add: "No greeting. End exactly with: Jonah, FP&A."
  • Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each part short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Leads with the number
  • Asks for both drivers
  • Asks for signs
  • Fixes greeting and sign-off
  • Caps length

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