Tone Control with Modular Prompting
Learning Objectives
- Build and use tone modules that work across different prompts
- Apply the V5.1 tone guide to create consistent voice in your content
- Save time by reusing tone instructions instead of writing them from scratch
Introduction
Getting the right tone in your content makes all the difference. Your readers can tell when something sounds robotic or off-brand, and it affects how they respond to your message.
The Tone Module in Pixelhaze's Modular Prompting system helps you nail this every time. Instead of describing your desired tone in every single prompt, you create reusable tone instructions that keep your voice consistent across everything you write.
Lessons
What Is the Tone Module
The Tone Module is one piece of the modular prompting system. Think of it as your tone blueprint that you can drop into any prompt.
Here's how it works:
- You define your tone rules once in a module
- You reference that module in your prompts
- Your AI follows those tone rules automatically
This saves you from writing "please use a friendly, professional tone" in every prompt and ensures you get the same voice quality each time.
Setting Up Basic Tone Rules
Your tone module needs clear, specific instructions. Vague descriptions like "be friendly" don't give the AI enough to work with.
Step 1: Choose your core tone characteristics from the V5.1 guide
Step 2: Write specific rules for each characteristic
Step 3: Add examples of what this sounds like in practice
For example, instead of "friendly tone," try:
- Use contractions (you'll, we're, it's)
- Address the reader directly with "you"
- Keep sentences under 20 words where possible
- Use encouraging phrases like "you've got this" or "here's what works"
Using the V5.1 Tone Guide
The V5.1 tone guide gives you pre-built tone categories that work well for most content types. Each category includes specific language patterns and style rules.
Step 1: Pick the category that matches your brand voice
Step 2: Copy the provided tone rules into your module
Step 3: Adjust any rules that don't fit your specific needs
The guide covers professional, conversational, educational, and sales tones with ready-to-use instructions for each.
Customising Your Tone Module
No two brands sound exactly the same, so you'll want to personalise your tone module.
Step 1: Start with a base tone from the V5.1 guide
Step 2: Add specific words or phrases your brand uses
Step 3: Include words or styles to avoid
Step 4: Test with a few prompts and refine as needed
Keep a library of different tone modules for different content types. Your email tone might be more casual than your landing page tone.
Practice
Create a tone module for writing blog post introductions. Use these requirements:
- Conversational but informative
- Hook the reader in the first sentence
- Avoid jargon unless you explain it immediately
- Keep paragraphs to 3 sentences maximum
Write your tone module, then use it in a prompt to create an introduction for a blog post about time management tips.
FAQs
What's the difference between tone modules and regular tone instructions?
Tone modules are reusable and standardised. Regular tone instructions get written fresh each time and often vary between prompts.
How many tone modules should I create?
Start with 2-3 for your main content types. You can always add more as your needs grow.
Can I combine multiple tone modules in one prompt?
It's better to create one comprehensive module than mix multiple ones, as this can confuse the AI.
How do I know if my tone module is working?
Test it across different prompts. If you're getting consistent voice and style, it's working well.
Jargon Buster
Modular Prompting: Breaking prompts into reusable components instead of writing everything from scratch each time
Tone Module: A reusable set of instructions that defines how your content should sound and feel
V5.1 Tone Guide: Pixelhaze's reference document with pre-built tone categories and rules
Voice Consistency: Maintaining the same writing style and personality across all your content
Wrap-up
Your tone module is now your secret weapon for consistent content. Instead of hoping your AI picks up on subtle tone cues, you're giving it clear rules to follow every time.
Start with one solid tone module for your main content type, test it thoroughly, then expand your library as needed. Remember, good tone rules are specific, actionable, and aligned with how your audience wants to be spoken to.
Ready to build more advanced prompt components? Check out our full modular prompting course at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership