Prompt Framing for Claude
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Apply the Role + Goal + Format formula to create effective Claude prompts
- Identify and fix common prompt framing mistakes
- Test and improve your prompts based on Claude's responses
Introduction
Getting good results from Claude comes down to one thing: how you frame your prompts. Many people jump straight in with vague questions and wonder why the responses miss the mark. The difference between a weak prompt and a strong one often lies in three simple components: role, goal, and format.
This chapter teaches you the Role + Goal + Format formula – a straightforward method that turns unclear requests into precise instructions Claude can work with effectively.
Lessons
Setting Up the Role Component
The role tells Claude what perspective to take when responding. Think of it as giving Claude a job title or expertise area.
Here's how to define effective roles:
Step 1: Choose a specific expertise area relevant to your needs
Step 2: Keep the role realistic and within Claude's capabilities
Step 3: Avoid overly complex or niche roles that might confuse the response
Good role examples:
- "As a content editor…"
- "Acting as a project manager…"
- "From a beginner's perspective…"
Weak role examples:
- "As the world's leading expert…" (too grandiose)
- "As my personal assistant…" (too vague)
The role sets the tone for everything that follows, so spend time getting this right.
Defining Your Goal Clearly
Your goal explains exactly what you want Claude to accomplish. This is where most prompts go wrong – they're either too broad or too unclear.
Step 1: State your specific outcome in simple terms
Step 2: Include any important constraints or requirements
Step 3: Mention what you'll do with the response
Strong goal examples:
- "Help me write a 200-word product description for a wireless mouse"
- "Explain how photosynthesis works to a 10-year-old"
- "Create three different email subject lines for a sale announcement"
Weak goal examples:
- "Help me with writing" (what kind of writing?)
- "Make this better" (better how?)
- "Tell me about marketing" (too broad)
The more specific your goal, the more useful Claude's response will be.
Choosing the Right Format
Format tells Claude how to structure the response. This keeps the output organised and makes it easier for you to use.
Step 1: Consider how you'll use the response
Step 2: Pick a format that matches your needs
Step 3: Be specific about any formatting requirements
Useful format options:
- Numbered lists for step-by-step processes
- Bullet points for quick overviews
- Paragraphs for detailed explanations
- Tables for comparisons
- Q&A format for complex topics
Example format instructions:
- "Present this as a bullet-pointed list"
- "Write this in three short paragraphs"
- "Format as a simple table with pros and cons"
Putting It All Together
Now combine all three components into one prompt:
Basic structure: "As a [role], [goal], and present it as [format]."
Example 1:
"As a fitness instructor, create a 20-minute home workout routine for beginners, and present it as a numbered list with time estimates for each exercise."
Example 2:
"Acting as a customer service trainer, explain how to handle an angry customer complaint, formatted as five key steps with brief explanations."
Example 3:
"From a small business owner's perspective, suggest three ways to improve customer retention, presented as bullet points with one-sentence explanations."
Notice how each example gives Claude clear direction on perspective, outcome, and structure.
Practice
Create three prompts using the Role + Goal + Format formula:
- Business scenario: Write a prompt asking Claude to help with a work-related task
- Personal scenario: Create a prompt for something you might need help with at home
- Learning scenario: Frame a prompt to help you understand a topic you're curious about
For each prompt, test it with Claude and note:
- Did the response match what you expected?
- Was the format helpful for your needs?
- What would you change to improve it?
FAQs
Why does the Role + Goal + Format structure work so well with Claude?
This structure gives Claude clear boundaries and expectations. Instead of guessing what you want, Claude can focus on delivering exactly what you've requested in the format that's most useful to you.
Can I skip one of the three components?
You can, but your results will likely be less focused. The role provides context, the goal provides direction, and the format makes the response usable. Missing any component often leads to responses that need follow-up clarification.
What should I do when my prompts don't give me what I need?
Go back to your three components. Check if your role is too vague, your goal is unclear, or your format doesn't match how you want to use the information. Small adjustments often make a big difference.
How complex can I make my roles and goals?
Keep them as simple as possible while still being specific. Claude handles straightforward instructions better than complex, multi-layered requests. If you need something complex, break it into smaller prompts.
Jargon Buster
Claude: An AI assistant that responds to text prompts and works best with clear, structured instructions
Prompt Framing: The process of structuring your requests to get better, more focused responses from AI tools
Role + Goal + Format: A three-part structure for creating effective prompts – defining who Claude should act as, what you want to achieve, and how the response should be presented
Wrap-up
You now have a reliable framework for creating prompts that get results. The Role + Goal + Format formula takes the guesswork out of talking to Claude and helps you get responses that actually fit your needs.
Start with simple prompts using this structure, then experiment as you get more comfortable. Pay attention to which combinations of role, goal, and format work best for different types of tasks.
Your next chapter will cover advanced prompting techniques that build on this foundation.