The CRISP Prompting Framework

What is CRISP?

CRISP is a simple checklist that turns a vague prompt into a powerful one. Each letter adds a layer of clarity. The more layers you include, the better the AI’s response.

Think of it like briefing a very smart assistant who knows nothing about your business.

The Five Letters

C — Context. Set the scene. Tell the AI who you are, what your situation is, and any relevant background. Without context, the AI guesses and gives you generic advice that could apply to anyone.

R — Role. Tell the AI what kind of expert to be. Give it a “hat” to wear. Without a role, it responds as a generalist. With a role, it thinks like a specialist.

I — Intent. Be clear about what you want the AI to do. Are you asking for a draft? A critique? A summary? A plan? The more specific your intent, the more useful the output.

S — Specifics. Add the details that matter: format, length, tone, audience, constraints. This is where most people stop too early. The specifics are what push the output from decent to genuinely useful.

P — Perfect. Describe what a great result looks like. Give the AI a target to aim for. This step is often skipped, but it’s what separates a first draft from something you can actually use.

Download the Cheat Sheet

The full CRISP framework as a short guide, with examples for each step.

Download the CRISP Cheat Sheet (PDF)

If you want hands-on help building this skill, that’s where we start.