Introducing the H.E.L.P Framework for AI
The HELP Framework: Your Guide to Better Prompts
Want better results from AI? It all starts with how you ask. Let me introduce you to the HELP Framework—a simple approach that’ll improve your prompts and get you better outcomes.
But first, here’s something crucial: keep your prompts clear and skip the fancy language. That’s the foundation everything else builds on.
H is for Humanize
Think of prompting as a conversation. Here’s how to make it more human:
• Give the AI a specific role that fits your industry. Instead of asking for generic marketing copy, tell it to write like an experienced SaaS marketing manager.
• Example: “You are a veteran SaaS marketing manager. Write a 100-word product pitch for an accounting tool aimed at solo entrepreneurs.”
• Know who you’re writing for. The more specific you are about your audience, the better the results. Writing for tech-savvy millennials? That’s different from writing for retirees new to smartphones.
• Example: “Write a short blog post on phone security for retirees who are new to smartphones.”
• Use emotional language carefully. Sometimes you need that human touch—just don’t overdo it. And if you’re in a hurry? Say so. Adding “urgent” or “time-sensitive” can help focus the response.
• Example: “Draft an urgent email to subscribers about a limited-time discount on our new course.”
Pro tip: Add “No yapping” to your prompt when you want direct, no-fluff answers.
• Example: “Write a 50-word summary of today’s market trends. No yapping.”
E is for Expand
Context is king. The more relevant information you provide, the better your results will be.
• Show examples of what you’re looking for. If you want a specific writing style or format, share a sample. It’s like showing someone a picture instead of describing it—much clearer.
• Example: “Use this style: ‘Our product is the perfect companion for busy families. Simple, fast, and reliable—exactly what you need.’ Now write a similar ad for a fitness app.”
• Be specific about how you want the response:
• Need a particular format? Say so.
• Example: “Please answer in bullet points.”
• Want certain limitations? Spell them out.
• Example: “Keep it under 150 words.”
• Have deal-breakers? Make them clear.
• Example: “Avoid any mention of discounts or pricing.”
L is for Leverage
Pick the right tools for the job:
• Choose strategies that match your task. Need creative writing? Use different prompting techniques than you would for data analysis.
• Example: “Write a creative short story about a lost puppy, focusing on suspense.” vs. “Analyze this Excel data and summarize key trends.”
• Pick the right AI model. Some are better at coding, others at writing. Match the tool to the task.
• Don’t forget about free third-party tools—they can fill gaps in what AI can do. And sometimes, combining tools gets you the best results.
A Quick Look at Third-Party Tools
1. ChatGPT
• Great for general-purpose tasks and brainstorming. It’s like having a versatile helper for quick answers, drafts, or summaries.
2. Claude
• Known for its conversational tone and large context window. Good if you need to keep a longer thread of discussion going.
3. Gemini
• Designed for next-level reasoning and advanced tasks. Great when you need more sophisticated logic or in-depth analysis.
4. Perplexity
• Useful for quick research or comparisons. It focuses on concise, reference-backed answers, making it handy for fact-finding missions.
P is for Perfect
Good prompts get better with revision:
• Read your prompt before sending it. Look for unclear instructions or missing details.
• Example: If you see multiple commands in one prompt, split them to avoid confusion.
• Format it clearly—use spacing and structure to make it easy to read.
• Example:
You are a travel blogger.
Task: Write a short guide to visiting Tokyo.
Style: Friendly, with 3 main tips.
• Not happy with the results? Start a new chat and try a revised version. Sometimes small changes make a big difference.
• Keep the conversation going. You can always add more instructions or ask for refinements.
Putting It All Together
The HELP Framework isn’t complicated—it’s about being thoughtful in how you communicate with AI. Start using these principles, and you’ll see better results right away.
Remember: Clear instructions beat clever language every time. Keep it simple, be specific, and don’t be afraid to revise until you get what you need.
What’s next? Try using this framework for your next prompt. Start with one aspect—like being more specific about your audience—and build from there. Then expand your context, leverage the right tools and approaches, and perfect your prompt through quick revisions. Each step brings you closer to the answers you really want.