Provide facts before style
The model needs the relationship with the recipient, the purpose of the email, the facts it may use, and the action you expect. If a detail is unknown, say so. Otherwise the draft may quietly invent a date, agreement, or promise.
- Who is the recipient, and what do they already know?
- What happened, and which dates or amounts are confirmed?
- What response or action do you want?
- Which tone is appropriate, and what must not be said?
Ask for alternatives, not a single perfect version
Two short versions make it easier to choose and combine the useful parts. Keep the prompt specific enough that the alternatives differ in tone rather than facts.
I need to email [recipient] about [purpose].
Facts you may use: [facts].
Desired outcome: [action or reply].
Write two drafts: one direct and one warmer. Keep each under 130 words.
Do not add promises, reasons, dates, or pressure I have not provided.Remove the “AI email” sound
Read the draft aloud. Delete greetings and filler that you would not use, replace vague phrases with concrete requests, and cut repeated explanations. Keep your own voice; the model is a drafting assistant, not the sender.
- Prefer one clear request to several softened versions of the same request.
- Use plain words instead of formal clichés.
- Check that the subject line matches the real purpose.
- Keep the closing proportionate to your relationship with the recipient.
Do a final human check
Before sending, compare every name, date, amount, and commitment against your notes. Consider whether the email contains sensitive information you should not have pasted into a chat tool. When the topic is legal, medical, or financial, treat the draft as wording help and check the underlying decision separately.