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Write a bottom-line-first memo on the coffee contract
- For Office and admin
- You practice Asking for a format you can use
- Time about 5 minutes
About this exercise
Your office manager reads only the top of emails. Write a bottom-line-first memo: exactly 3 numbered lines labeled Recommendation, Because, If we wait. Because gives two reasons, each with a number from the notes. The vendor raised its price after the first quote, so use the new price. Plain text, under 70 words.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Burying the recommendation. The AI opens with background on both vendors. Try: Add: "Line 1 is 'Recommendation:'."
- Using the old price. The notes list $310, and the AI uses it. Try: Add: "BeanWorks now charges $355/month, per their notice."
- No deadline. The AI doesn't say what happens if nobody decides. Try: Add: "If we wait: mention the Nov 20 order deadline."
- A long comparison. The AI writes a pros and cons table with bold headings. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 numbered lines, plain text."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting words, so a total word cap usually lands over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 18 words."
What a strong prompt includes
- Puts the answer first
- Names the labels
- Uses the new price
- Mentions the deadline
- Caps the length
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