5 Prompting from a Position
Prompting is often presented as a skill of wording.
But effective prompting is not primarily about wording.
It is about thinking.
Specifically, it is about starting from a position.
5.1 The Core Shift
Most prompting advice focuses on:
- how to phrase questions
- how to structure instructions
- how to use keywords
These can help.
But they are secondary.
The primary driver of prompt quality is this:
What you bring before you write the prompt.
5.2 Prompting Without a Position
When no position is defined, prompts tend to be vague.
Examples:
- “Explain machine learning”
- “Write a business plan”
- “Analyze this dataset”
- “Give me ideas”
These prompts:
- lack direction
- produce generic outputs
- do not reflect your thinking
Even if the wording is improved, the result often remains shallow.
5.3 Prompting From a Position
A stronger approach is to start with:
- a problem
- a direction
- or a hypothesis
Then use AI to extend that thinking.
Examples:
- “I want to understand which model fits this problem and why.”
- “I am building a small consulting service and need a realistic structure.”
- “I want to test whether variable X is associated with outcome Y.”
- “I have three possible directions. Help me compare them.”
These prompts:
- carry intent
- guide the response
- produce more useful outputs
5.4 The Structure of a Strong Prompt
A strong prompt often contains:
Context What are you working on?
Position What do you currently think or want?
Task What should AI help you do?
Example:
“I am building a guide on human-first AI use.
My goal is to make it practical and defensible.
Help me structure the key sections clearly.”
5.5 Why This Works
AI responds to signals in the prompt.
A position provides strong signals:
- what matters
- what direction to follow
- what level of detail is expected
Without these signals, AI defaults to general patterns.
With them, AI becomes more targeted.
5.6 Improving a Weak Prompt
5.6.1 Weak
“Help me write about AI.”
5.6.2 Improved
“I am writing a guide on responsible AI use and want to explain how to start with a position. Help me structure this clearly.”
The improvement comes from:
- adding context
- stating intent
- defining direction
5.7 Prompting as a Thinking Process
Prompting should not be a one-step action.
It is part of the Human → AI → Human loop.
You may:
- Write a prompt from your position
- Review the output
- Refine your prompt
- Ask a more focused question
Each step improves clarity.
5.8 Common Mistake: Over-Engineering Prompts
Some users focus too much on:
- complex instructions
- long templates
- rigid formats
These can help in specific cases.
But without a clear position, they do not solve the core problem.
A simple prompt with a strong position is often more effective than a complex prompt without one.
5.9 Practical Pattern
You can use this simple pattern:
“I am working on [context].
I think / I want [position].
Help me [task].”
Example:
“I am analyzing customer data.
I think churn may be driven by usage patterns.
Help me identify how to test this.”
5.10 Prompting for Different Goals
5.10.1 Exploration
“I am exploring possible causes of this pattern. What should I consider?”
5.10.2 Refinement
“Here is my current explanation. What is unclear or weak?”
5.10.3 Structuring
“Help me organize this into a clear workflow.”
5.10.4 Challenge
“Challenge this reasoning and identify gaps.”
5.11 Ownership Still Applies
Even with strong prompts, the responsibility remains yours.
AI can:
- suggest
- structure
- expand
But it does not:
- verify reality
- take responsibility
- make final decisions
That is your role.
5.12 Key Insight
Prompting is not about asking better questions alone.
It is about starting from better thinking.
Better prompts begin with a position.
5.13 Takeaway
- Do not start with empty requests
- Start with a clear position
- Use prompts to extend your thinking
This leads to:
- more relevant outputs
- clearer reasoning
- stronger decisions