The Context-First Formula

Stop winging it. Use a formula.

Good prompts aren't magic. They follow a pattern. Once you learn this pattern, you can apply it to any task — writing, research, analysis, emails, plans, anything.

Here's the formula:

---

The 5-Part Prompt

[Role] + [Context] + [Task] + [Format] + [Constraints]

Let's break each one down.

---

1. Role — Tell Claude who to be

"You are a social media manager for a healthcare staffing company."

"You are a professional email writer who specializes in warm, friendly outreach."

"You are an expert at summarizing long documents for busy executives."

Why it works: Claude adapts its language, tone, and knowledge based on the role you give it.

---

2. Context — Give the background

This is the most important part. Tell Claude what it needs to know:

• Who is the client or company?
• What industry are they in?
• What's the situation or backstory?
• Who is the audience?

"The client is InSync Healthcare Staffing, a staffing agency based in the US that connects nurses and allied health professionals with hospitals and clinics. Their audience is registered nurses looking for flexible work schedules."

---

3. Task — Say exactly what you need done

Be specific. Use action words.

Instead of: "Help me with a post"
Say: "Write a LinkedIn post announcing InSync's new travel nurse placement service"

Instead of: "Summarize this"
Say: "Write a 3-bullet summary of the key points from this article, focused on what matters for healthcare staffing professionals"

---

4. Format — Tell Claude how to present it

"Write it as a single paragraph"
"Give me 3 options to choose from"
"Use bullet points"
"Write it as a formal email with subject line"
"Format it as a script I can read on camera"

Without this, Claude picks a format at random.

---

5. Constraints — Set the limits

"Keep it under 150 words"
"Don't use jargon or medical terms"
"Avoid mentioning competitors"
"End with a call to action to book a call"
"Must include the phrase 'flexible scheduling'"

---

Full example — putting it all together

Weak prompt:

"Write a post for InSync."

Strong prompt using the formula:

You are a social media manager for a healthcare staffing agency.

InSync Healthcare Staffing helps nurses find flexible placements with hospitals across the US. Their audience is RNs and travel nurses who value work-life balance. The tone should feel supportive and energizing — like a mentor talking to someone who's ready for their next opportunity.

Write a Facebook post announcing that InSync now places travel nurses, not just local placements. Include a sense of excitement about the new option. End with an invitation to book a free discovery call.

Keep it under 150 words. No jargon. One short paragraph followed by a call-to-action sentence.

---

The quick version (when you're in a hurry)

Even if you can't write all 5 parts, always lead with:

Who + What + Why + For who

"Write a [WHAT] for [WHO], aimed at [FOR WHO], to [WHY]."

Example:

"Write a welcome email for InSync Staffing, aimed at nurses who just signed up, to make them feel excited and supported."

That alone is 10x better than no context.

---

Save this as your template

Copy this into a note you can reuse:

Role: You are a [role] for [company/context].

Context: [Background about the client, audience, situation]

Task: Write/create/summarize [specific thing]

Format: [Paragraph / bullets / email / script / table / etc.]

Constraints: [Word count, tone, must-include, must-avoid]

Next lesson: The knowledge base method — how Prime loads everything about a client in one shot and never has to repeat it.

HivePowered AI — AI Like a Pro Training