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Write a client status update that separates done, blocked and needed

  • For Freelancers and creators
  • You practice Catching mistakes and made-up facts
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're a freelance designer writing a Friday status email to your client Hollis. Write a prompt for exactly four plain-text lines labeled "Done:", "Blocked:", "Need from you:" and "Next check-in:", each under 22 words. Count something as Done only if it is delivered and approved. Use the dates in the log, and add no greeting or sign-off.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Calling delivered work Done. The AI marks the logo options as done. Try: Say: "Done only if delivered and approved."
  • Vague asks. The AI writes 'let me know what you can'. Try: Say: "Need from you lists the specific items with the date."
  • Greeting and sign-off. Client emails get 'Hi Hollis' and 'Best'. Try: Say: "No greeting or sign-off."
  • Letting markdown through. AI adds bold text and headings by default. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and often runs past a word limit. Try: Cap each part (for example "each line under 15 words") so the total lands well under the limit.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the four labels
  • Defines Done
  • Asks for specifics
  • Bans greeting and sign-off
  • Caps line length

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