One of the most underused prompt techniques is telling the AI exactly what format you want the output in. Without format instructions, AI tends to default to long-form paragraphs or bullet lists, which often isn't what you need for a sales email, a CRM entry, or a negotiation script.
Format instructions to use regularly:
For emails: "Format: Subject line + email body only. No explanation, no preamble. Under [X] words."
For analysis: "Format: Use the following section headers: [Header 1], [Header 2], [Header 3]. Each section under 3 sentences."
For scripts: "Format: Write this as a spoken script, not a document. Natural language, not bullet points."
For tables: "Format: Present as a comparison table with columns [A], [B], [C]."
For CRM entries: "Format: Use these field labels: Pain Identified, MEDDIC Updates, Buying Signals, Objections, Next Step."
Adding a format instruction at the end of your prompt takes 10 seconds and means you get output you can use directly without reformatting. It also prevents the AI from adding unnecessary context, caveats, or preamble to your output.