How to Improve a Prompt by Adding One Example

When a model returns the right content in the wrong shape, the fix is usually not more instructions, it is one example. Showing a single worked input and output pins the format far more reliably than describing it in words. This guide upgrades a vague prompt with one example.

What you need

• A prompt that returns the wrong format
• One example of the output you want
• About 5 minutes

Step 1: Spot the format mismatch

Run the plain prompt and note exactly how the shape is wrong: prose instead of a list, missing a field, or the wrong order.

Step 2: Add one worked example

Include a tiny input-output pair right in the prompt. The model copies the structure of your example onto the real input.

Turn notes into action items. Match this format exactly:

Notes: call Sam, the report is late
Action items:
- [ ] Call Sam (owner: me, due: today)
- [ ] Send the report (owner: me, due: tomorrow)

Notes: {your notes here}
Action items:

Step 3: Confirm the shape holds

Run it again. The output should now mirror the example: checkboxes, an owner, and a due date on every line.

Result: the model returns the exact shape you want because it had a pattern to copy instead of a description to interpret.