Prompt Pattern Library

A comprehensive collection of proven prompt structures for common AI tasks, organized by use case and complexity level.

🎯 Task-Specific Patterns

Email Communication

You are a professional communicator. 

Write an email requesting [SPECIFIC ITEM] from [RECIPIENT ROLE]. 

Context: [BACKGROUND INFO]
Deadline: [TIMELINE]
Tone: Professional but warm
Length: 3-4 sentences maximum

Include clear next steps and contact information.

You are writing a follow-up email.

Reference: Previous conversation about [TOPIC]
Add value: Include [NEW INFORMATION/RESOURCE]
Ask: Gentle check-in about [SPECIFIC ITEM]
Tone: Helpful, not pushy

You are handling a sensitive business communication.

Structure:
1. Acknowledge their perspective
2. Present facts objectively  
3. Propose specific solutions
4. Define clear next steps

Tone: Empathetic but direct
Goal: Preserve relationship while addressing issues

Content Summarization

Technical Documentation

You are a technical writer for [AUDIENCE LEVEL].

Task: Explain [CONCEPT] focusing on practical implementation.

Structure:
1. Brief definition (1 sentence)
2. Why it matters (business impact)
3. Step-by-step how-to
4. Common pitfalls to avoid
5. Success metrics

Constraints:
- No jargon without definitions
- Include concrete examples
- Keep under 500 words

🧠 Cognitive Patterns

Chain-of-Thought

When to use: Complex analysis, multi-step problems, logical reasoning

You are a [EXPERT ROLE]. 

Think through this step-by-step:

1. First, identify the core issue
2. Then, list all relevant factors  
3. Next, analyze each factor's impact
4. Finally, synthesize into actionable recommendations

Show your reasoning for each step before stating conclusions.

Self-Critique Loop

When to use: Quality control, iterative improvement, error reduction

Complete this task, then critique your own work:

[MAIN TASK INSTRUCTIONS]

After completing above, rate your response 1-5 on:
- Clarity: Is it easy to understand?
- Completeness: Did you address everything?
- Accuracy: Are facts and logic correct?

For any score below 4, explain the issue and provide an improved version.

Multi-Perspective Analysis

When to use: Strategic decisions, stakeholder communications, complex problems

Analyze [SITUATION] from three perspectives:

**Perspective 1: [STAKEHOLDER A]**
- Primary concerns:
- Success metrics:
- Potential objections:

**Perspective 2: [STAKEHOLDER B]**  
- Primary concerns:
- Success metrics:
- Potential objections:

**Perspective 3: [STAKEHOLDER C]**
- Primary concerns:
- Success metrics:  
- Potential objections:

Finally, identify areas of alignment and recommend a path forward that addresses all three perspectives.

📊 Quality Control Patterns

Rubric-Based Validation

[MAIN TASK]

Quality check - Rate 1-5 and improve if needed:

**Content Quality**
- Accuracy: Facts are correct
- Completeness: All requirements met
- Relevance: Stays on topic

**Communication Quality**  
- Clarity: Easy to understand
- Conciseness: No unnecessary words
- Tone: Appropriate for audience

**Structure Quality**
- Organization: Logical flow
- Format: Proper structure
- Readability: Well formatted

Revise any dimension scoring below 4.

Error Prevention Checklist

Before responding, verify:

✓ Have I understood the request correctly?
✓ Do my facts need verification?
✓ Is the tone appropriate for the audience?
✓ Are there any sensitive topics to handle carefully?
✓ Will this output achieve the stated goal?

If any checklist item fails, address before proceeding.

🔄 Iteration Patterns

Progressive Refinement

**Round 1:** Draft a basic response to [REQUEST]

**Round 2:** Improve the draft by:
- Adding specific examples
- Clarifying any vague points  
- Ensuring logical flow

**Round 3:** Final polish:
- Optimize for [TARGET AUDIENCE]
- Check tone consistency
- Verify all requirements met

Present only the final version.

A/B Testing Framework

Create two versions of [OUTPUT TYPE]:

**Version A: [APPROACH 1]**
[SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS]

**Version B: [APPROACH 2]**  
[SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS]

For each version, explain:
- Target use case
- Key strengths
- Potential limitations

Recommend which to use when.

🎨 Creative Patterns

Storytelling Structure

You are a storyteller crafting [CONTENT TYPE].

Structure: Hook → Context → Challenge → Resolution → Lesson

Elements to weave in:
- Specific sensory details
- Relatable characters/situations
- Clear emotional arc
- Practical takeaway

Tone: [SPECIFY TONE]
Length: [WORD COUNT]
Audience: [TARGET AUDIENCE]

Brand Voice Adaptation

You are adapting content for [BRAND NAME].

Brand voice characteristics:
- Tone: [FORMAL/CASUAL/FRIENDLY/etc.]
- Personality: [TRAITS]
- Values: [CORE VALUES]
- Avoid: [WHAT NOT TO DO]

Original content: [INPUT]

Adapt the content to match the brand voice while preserving key information and calls-to-action.

🛠️ Implementation Guide

Pattern Selection Matrix

Customization Checklist

When adapting patterns:

• [ ] Replace placeholder text with specific details
• [ ] Adjust tone for your audience
• [ ] Add domain-specific constraints
• [ ] Include relevant examples
• [ ] Test with sample inputs
• [ ] Document what works for reuse

Success Metrics

Track pattern effectiveness:

• Consistency: Same quality across multiple uses
• Efficiency: Less iteration needed
• Accuracy: Fewer factual errors
• Satisfaction: Stakeholder approval rates

Quick Reference Cards

🚀 Starter Templates

Generic High-Quality Pattern:

You are a [EXPERT]. Create [OUTPUT] that [SUCCESS CRITERIA].

Requirements: [BULLETS]
Format: [STRUCTURE]
Tone: [VOICE]

Quality check: Rate 1-5 on clarity, accuracy, completeness. Revise <4 scores.

Rapid Iteration Pattern:

Draft → Self-critique → Revise → Validate → Deliver

Error-Resistant Pattern:

Role + Task + Examples + Constraints + Quality Check + Safety Rails

Remember: Great patterns are starting points, not rigid formulas. Adapt them to your specific context and audience for best results.