Lesson 3Start here
Build a better prompt
CAWR is the four-part formula I teach at my workshops: Context, Action, Warnings, Result. It's a checklist, not a magic spell. It simply makes sure you've told the AI the things it needs.
Lesson 3Read
C is for Context
Who you are, who it's for and why. That's your business introduction from lesson 2, plus anything specific to this task, like a seasonal offer or a past email that did well.
Lesson 3Read
A is for Action
One clear job, starting with a verb. "Write three subject lines for our spring newsletter" beats "help with email". Big jobs work better in stages.
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W is for Warnings
A few practical boundaries, not a long list of rules. Things like: use UK spelling, don't invent facts or prices, avoid jargon, keep it under 120 words. Say what you want instead where you can. Too many warnings can make the answer stiff.
Lesson 3Read
R is for Result
What the finished thing should look like: an email with a subject line, three options to choose from, a bullet list, a 100-word paragraph. Add the tone, like friendly and plain-spoken.
Lesson 3Example
A finished CAWR prompt
Example
Context: I run Riverside Plumbing, a two-person plumbing and heating business in Taunton. Our customers are mostly homeowners with older houses.
Action: Write an email reminding past customers to book their annual boiler service before winter.
Warnings: Use UK spelling. Don't mention prices or offers. Don't make up facts about us.
Result: One email with a subject line, under 150 words, friendly and plain-spoken, ending with a clear ask to call us.
Lesson 3Your turn
Build your CAWR prompt
Fill in the four parts. Your prompt builds itself at the bottom, ready to copy into your AI tool. Nothing is sent anywhere: this page just puts your words in order.
Your prompt
Fill in the four parts above.
Now paste it into your AI tool and see what comes back. Keep the chat open: you'll improve the answer in the next lesson.
Lesson 3Quick check
Quick check
2 quick questions
No scores and no penalties. Pick an answer to see why it's right or not, and change it as often as you like.
Lesson 3Wrap up
Lesson 3 takeaway
Takeaway
Context, Action, Warnings, Result. Four short parts, and far better first drafts.
Want it all on paper? Download the course workbook (PDF, 678 KB)