Module 2 of 6
The Core Toolkit
The 5 levers that control output quality. Master these and you'll consistently get better results.
You've learned to read AI output as diagnostic feedback. Now we're going to give you precise controls to shape that output.
Think of these as knobs on a mixing board. Each lever adjusts a different aspect of the response. Used together, they give you remarkable control.
The 5 Levers
Lever 1: CLARITY
Say exactly what you mean. Specify format, length, tone, audience, goal.
Before
Write about marketing
After
Write a 200-word LinkedIn post about why small businesses should invest in email marketing before paid ads. Tone: conversational but credible. End with a question.
Lever 2: EXAMPLES
Show the pattern you want. 2-3 examples establish a pattern.
Before
Write a product description that's punchy
After
Write a product description for my notebook. Here's an example of the style I want: [example]. Now write something similar...
Lever 3: THINKING
Let the AI reason before answering. Use for math, comparisons, complex analysis.
Before
Should I lease or buy this car?
After
Think through the financial and practical tradeoffs step by step, then give me your recommendation.
Lever 4: STRUCTURE
Organize complex requests with clear sections.
Before
Wall of text about email to client
After
Structured with Context, Goals (numbered), Constraints
Lever 5: ROLE
Set the expertise level.
Before
Explain how mortgages work
After
You're a financial advisor explaining mortgages to a first-time homebuyer...
When to Use Which Lever
Use CLARITY when...
The output is directionally right but not quite what you wanted. Add specifics about format, length, tone, or goal.
Use EXAMPLES when...
You want a specific style or format that's hard to describe. Show 2-3 examples and ask for something similar.
Use THINKING when...
The task requires reasoning, comparison, or analysis. Math problems, tradeoff analysis, strategic decisions.
Use STRUCTURE when...
You're making a complex request with multiple parts. Break it into numbered sections or bullet points.
Use ROLE when...
You need expertise at a specific level. "Explain like I'm a beginner" vs. "Explain like I have a CS degree."
Combining Levers
The real power comes from using multiple levers together. Here's an example using all 5:
All 5 Levers in Action
[ROLE] You're a financial advisor with 15 years of experience.
[CLARITY] Write a 300-word email to a 35-year-old professional who just got their first big raise. Tone: encouraging but practical.
[STRUCTURE] Include: 1) Congratulations, 2) Three actionable suggestions, 3) A warning about lifestyle inflation, 4) Next steps.
[THINKING] Think about what financial mistakes people at this stage commonly make, then write advice that addresses those specifically.
[EXAMPLES] Here's an example of the tone I want: [paste example].
Try This
Your challenge: Take a real task from your work
Think of something you actually need to write or figure out this week. Write a prompt using at least 3 of the 5 levers.
Success looks like:
- You get a usable first draft
- You can see which levers made the biggest difference
- You understand why the output improved
Key Takeaways
The 5 levers give you precise control: Clarity, Examples, Thinking, Structure, Role.
Clarity is the most commonly needed lever. Be specific about format, length, tone, and goal.
Examples are underrated. 2-3 good examples teach the pattern better than paragraphs of description.
Use 'Thinking' for anything that requires reasoning. Let the AI show its work.
Combining levers compounds their effectiveness. Don't be afraid to use all 5 on important tasks.