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Shortlist printer leases that meet every office requirement

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Your office needs a new copier lease, and you collected 5 options. You want exactly 2 numbered picks that meet all of the requirements in your notes (color, under $250 a month, service included, 36 months or shorter), each with its monthly price and a reason under 15 words. Use only the details in your notes, plain text, and nothing else.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not listing every requirement. The AI optimizes for the cheapest price, so the 60-month lease or the black-and-white model gets picked. Try: Say: "Must meet all four: color, under $250, service included, 36 months or less."
  • Counting a verbal promise. The $199 promo sounds better, and the AI may use it without noticing it's not in writing. Try: Add: "Use only written prices."
  • Explaining every reject. The AI walks through all 5 options, burying the 2 that work. Try: Say: "Output only the 2 picks."
  • Not saying how many. The AI decides the length itself and usually returns more picks than you can use. Try: Be exact: "exactly 2 numbered picks."
  • Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in a quick email to Tom. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Lists the requirements
  • Ignores unconfirmed prices
  • Says exactly how many
  • Limits each reason
  • Asks for plain text

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