ChatGPT Cut the Waffle Prompt
TL;DR:
- The "Cut the Waffle" prompt removes unnecessary words and makes content clearer
- Works well for emails, scripts, articles, and headlines
- Strips out filler phrases, redundant explanations, and overly polite language
- Best used on your second draft after getting the initial content down
- Makes text easier to read and more engaging for your audience
The ChatGPT "Cut the Waffle" prompt does exactly what it says on the tin. It takes your wordy content and cuts out all the unnecessary bits that don't add value. Think of it as having a ruthless editor who only cares about keeping the good stuff.
This prompt targets the common problems that make writing feel sluggish – those extra explanations nobody asked for, saying the same thing twice in different ways, and padding out sentences with polite waffle. What you get back is tighter, clearer content that actually holds people's attention.
When to Use This Prompt
Email sequences are where this prompt really shines. We all write emails that ramble on longer than they need to. The prompt helps you keep the important bits while ditching the "I hope this email finds you well" nonsense.
Scripts and presentations get much better when you remove the verbal padding. Your audience will thank you for not making them sit through unnecessary transitions and filler phrases.
Articles and blog posts often benefit from a waffle-cutting session. First drafts tend to be wordy by nature. This prompt helps you find the lean, readable version hiding underneath.
Headlines and subject lines need to work hard in very few words. The prompt helps you find the punchy version without the extra words that dilute your message.
The key thing to remember is timing. Don't use this prompt on your first draft when you're still getting ideas down. Save it for when you've got your content sorted and you want to make it sharper.
Setting Up the Prompt
Here's the basic version that works well:
Cut the waffle from this text. Remove filler words, redundant phrases, and unnecessary politeness. Keep it natural and conversational but make every word count.
[Your text here]
You can also be more specific about what you want:
Make this email more direct. Remove the waffle but keep it friendly:
[Your email text]
Or for scripts:
Cut the waffle from this script. Remove unnecessary transitions and filler words. Keep it conversational:
[Your script]
What Gets Cut
The prompt typically removes several types of waffle. Redundant explanations where you've said the same thing in two different ways get merged into one clear statement. Filler phrases like "as you may know" or "it's worth mentioning that" usually disappear entirely.
Overly polite padding gets trimmed back to something more natural. Instead of "I was wondering if it might be possible for you to perhaps consider," you get "Could you."
Unnecessary transitions between ideas often get cut too. If the flow works without "moving on to the next point," the prompt will drop it.
Getting Better Results
The more specific you are about your audience and purpose, the better results you'll get. Tell ChatGPT if this is for a formal presentation versus a casual email. Mention if you're writing for beginners who need more context or experts who just want the facts.
You can also ask for specific things to be preserved. If there's a particular tone or phrase you want to keep, mention it in your prompt.
Sometimes the first attempt cuts too much or not enough. Don't be afraid to ask for adjustments: "This is too blunt, add back some warmth" or "Still too wordy, cut more."
FAQs
Which types of content work best with this prompt?
Emails, scripts, articles, and headlines see the biggest improvements. Any content where clarity and brevity matter will benefit.
Will it change my writing style completely?
No, it keeps your natural voice but removes the excess. Think of it as your writing style with better editing.
Can I use it for formal documents?
Yes, but specify that you need to maintain the appropriate level of formality. The prompt can remove waffle while keeping professional language.
What if it cuts too much important information?
Ask ChatGPT to add back specific elements you need. You can fine-tune the results until you get the right balance.
Jargon Buster
Filler words – Unnecessary words that don't add meaning to your sentence
Redundant phrases – Saying the same thing twice in different ways
Waffle – Unnecessary padding in writing that makes it longer without adding value
Transitions – Words or phrases that link ideas together (not always needed)
Wrap-up
The Cut the Waffle prompt turns your wordy drafts into clear, engaging content that people actually want to read. It's particularly useful for anyone who tends to over-explain or pad out their writing with unnecessary politeness.
Use it as your second-draft tool after you've got your ideas down. Your readers will appreciate the cleaner, more direct communication, and you'll find your content has much more impact when every word is doing its job.
Ready to level up your ChatGPT skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more advanced prompting techniques and AI strategies.