Let’s be honest – getting what you want from AI can feel like trying to explain your coffee order to someone who’s never set foot in a café. Prompt engineering is the art and science of crafting effective instructions for AI to get the best possible results. It’s like learning the right language and syntax to communicate your needs clearly. But here’s the thing: it all comes down to how you ask. In this guide, I’ll share four battle-tested frameworks that expert prompt engineers use to get AI to deliver exactly what they need.

I know these AI concepts can get pretty abstract really fast. So let’s keep things simple and work with an example – like trying to get more members for your monthly program. Instead of simply typing. How can I get more clients for my monthly membership? Try these four frameworks instead.

1.  The 5 Whys: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

If you’re a fan of peeling back layers (think: unraveling an onion, but with less tear-inducing drama), the 5 Why’s framework is your new best friend. The idea is simple: ask “Why?” five times in succession to get to the root of a problem.

Example of a 5 Why’s prompt:

I want to identify the root causes of why potential clients are not signing up for my new membership for group coaching. Please help me with a 5 Whys analysis by asking me “Why?” five times.

Start by asking me the first “Why” based on my initial problem statement: “Potential clients are not signing up for my group coaching membership.”

After I respond, please base your next “Why” question on my previous answer and ask it one at a time.
Continue this process until we reach the fifth “Why.”

At each step, please summarize my previous answer before asking the next “Why” to ensure clarity and coherence.

After the fifth “Why,” provide a brief summary of the insights we’ve gathered and suggest potential actions I could take based on the root causes identified.

2. Expert Perspectives: Bringing in the Big Guns

Sometimes, two (or in this case, three to five) heads are better than one. The Expert Perspectives framework invites you to call in multiple “experts” to weigh in on your query.

Picture a round-table where each expert brings a unique angle to the discussion—much like gathering a panel of renowned chefs to debate the best recipe, except here you’re assembling a cast of digital-savvy problem solvers.

This is even more fun when you call in some experts that are well-known. Imagine having Elon Musk, Alex Hormozi and Gary V to analyze and debate your problem.

Example of an Expert Perspective Prompt:

I would like to find ways to get more clients to sign up for my monthly membership. Please act as the following experts and give me their perspectives.

• Elon Musk
• Gary V
• Alex Hormozi

I would like them to analyze the problem from their unique point of view.

3. Flip the Script: Learning from What Not to Do

Ever heard of Opposite Day? It’s the perfect framework for those moments when conventional thinking just isn’t cutting it. Instead of asking for the usual list of reasons something works, try asking for reasons it might not work. For instance, if you’re trying to brainstorm ways to encourage clients to join your membership, ask for reasons why they might not join.

Example of an Opposite Day Prompt:

List 10 ways I would make potential clients choose not to sign up for my group coaching membership. For each point, think of creative ideas that I can use to approach the exact opposite and effectively attract clients.

4. CRISPE: Your Recipe for Perfect Prompts

If you like your processes as organized as your Notion workspace, CRISPE is your new best friend. It’s a framework that helps you give AI everything it needs to deliver spot-on results:

• Context: Paint the picture (“I run a wellness coaching program looking to attract more clients”)
• Role: Give the AI its character (“Be a conversion copywriter who understands wellness enthusiasts”)
• Instruction: State what you need (“Write an email sequence”)
• Specification: Add the details (“5 emails, each under 300 words”)
• Purpose: Share the goal (“Get readers excited about transforming their health”)
• Example: Show what good looks like (optional)

Think of it as a creative brief that ensures you and the AI are on the same page.

Example of an Opposite Day Prompt:

I run a group coaching program. I would like you to act as a marketing and business expert, and I’d like you to explore 5 ways I can attract more members to sign up for my program. I would like the output in a bullet point list. This aims to identify innovative ways I can grow my membership.

Putting It All to Work

These frameworks aren’t just theoretical – they’re practical tools you can use right now to get better results from AI. Whether you’re troubleshooting low engagement, brainstorming marketing angles, or crafting the perfect sales message, you now have a Swiss Army knife of approaches at your disposal.

Want to take these techniques for a spin without the heavy lifting?

Check out our Perfect Prompt tool – it’s free, and it’ll help you generate custom prompts tailored to your specific needs. Just answer a few questions, and you’re off to the races.

Now go forth and prompt with confidence!