Everything in one place.
THE STRUCTURE OF A GOOD REQUEST
- Task: what you want done
- Context: who you are, what the situation is
- Audience: who reads this
- Format: length, structure, prose or bullets
- Constraints: what to avoid
- Material: anything it should work from
A COMPLETE EXAMPLE
"Write a reply to this customer. I run a small electronics shop in Lagos. The customer bought a charger two weeks ago and says it stopped working. Our policy is replacement within 30 days with proof of purchase. I want to be helpful and confirm what I need from them. Under 120 words, plain and warm. Do not promise a timescale."
WHAT MAKES THAT WORK
Every element is present, and nothing is assumed.
WHAT TO DROP
Politeness formulas. They change nothing.
WHAT TO ADD WHEN RESULTS ARE POOR
More context, almost always.
THE ORDER THAT WORKS BEST
Context and instructions first, material last, key constraints repeated at the end for long requests.
