Length and detail.
THE ANSWER
As long as it needs to carry the context and the instruction. Usually longer than people write.
WHAT MUST BE IN IT
The task Context about your situation Who it is for Length and format What to avoid Any material to work from
THAT IS RARELY ONE LINE
WHEN SHORT IS FINE
Simple factual questions Quick explanations Follow-ups within a conversation
WHEN LONGER IS NEEDED
Anything where the output must fit your business Anything with a specific format Anything where generic output is useless
CAN IT BE TOO LONG
Yes. Very long prompts receive uneven attention, and the middle receives least.
Put the important instructions at the start and repeat critical constraints at the end.
WHAT TO CUT
Politeness formulas Background that does not affect the output Repetition
WHAT NEVER TO CUT
The context about your situation.
