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Text field staff about the new mileage rate
Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Field technicians need a group text about the new mileage reimbursement rate. Keep it under 45 words, plain text, with no greeting or sign-off: the new rate and its start date first, then one worked example using a 120-mile week, then where to log trips as the last sentence. Don't mention the rumored rate or anything that isn't decided. Write a prompt that gets you exactly that.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 45 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part instead: "3 sentences, each under 12 words."
- Burying the rate. The AI opens with "Hi team, quick update on..." before the number. Try: Add: "No greeting. First sentence: 68 cents per mile starting Dec 1."
- Copying the memo's example. The AI reuses the 200-mile example instead of the one you asked for. Try: Add: "Example: 120 miles x $0.68 = $81.60."
- Adding extras. The AI adds a sign-off or mentions the car allowance or the 72-cent rumor to be thorough. Try: Add: "End with where to log trips. No sign-off, rumor, car allowance or GPS update."
- Formatting a text. Bold and headings show up as symbols in a group text. Try: Add: "Plain text only."
What a strong prompt includes
- Leads with the rate
- Asks for the 120-mile example
- Leaves out undecided items
- Sets a word limit
- Mentions where to log
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